Michael N.
Mohnkern, passed away at his home on May 17, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on January 26, 1953 in Houston, Texas, to
Norman and Joy
Mohnkern, Mike grew up in the Spring Branch area and graduated from Spring Woods High School in 1971. Mike went on to graduate from
Texas A&M University-College Station with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education in 1975. While at Texas A&M, he was a founding member of the Men's Lacrosse Team and actively involved with intermural sports.
Mike was a beloved teacher and coach and had just completed 20 years of service with Aldine ISD, and most recently as an instructor at Drew Academy. He received numerous teaching awards throughout his career including the Exxon Math/Science Teacher of the Year. As an instructor at Nimitz High School, Mike was selected as "Teacher of the Year" and became a finalist for Aldine ISD "Teacher of the Year". Mike served as the Physical Education Director at the Post Oak YMCA from 1981-1990, and later as Extension Director at the Fairfield Family YMCA.
For many years, Mike served as a coach of Bellaire High School girls' lacrosse team and was very active in numerous other lacrosse programs throughout the greater Houston area. At the recent Houston Girls' High School Lacrosse Playoffs, the first
Michael Mohnkern Lacrosse Scholarship (for a deserving senior player) was awarded.
Mike is survived by his mother, Joy
Mohnkern Kakos; daughter, Colleen
Mohnkern; sister, Michelle Raymond and husband, Kim; sister Melanie de los Santos and husband, J.B.; brother Miles
Mohnkern and wife, Diane; as well as nieces, Lindsey and Madison, and nephews, Philip, Garrin, Colin, his wife Angie. Mike is also survived by the countless friends, neighbors, students, educators, coaches and lacrosse players whose lives were deeply touched by his enthusiasm and positive attitude.
Erwin E. Grimes
I remember being stunned when hearing of Mike's passing. He was the all-time lively guy and doing all sorts of physical activities to stay in shape. He was an avid trombone player in the band, and we spent a lot of rehearsal time together in the deep-brass section--I played the baritone horn. We competed together several times in brass ensemble at various contests. We got together a couple of times after graduating and reconnected at 2 reunions as I recall. Mike was the captain of the Aggie La Crosse team and completely fell in love with the sport. I wish I had taken the time to see him play. Nobody had a bigger smile than Mike whenever he would greet you. He was a special friend. God must have needed him to get a team or activity together up in Heaven to have been taken so soon.
Sincerely, Erwin Grimes