Karl Martin Mohr, 91

Karl Martin Mohr, 91, of Hayden, Idaho, passed away March 11, 2026. Martin was born in Kattendorf, Germany, on Nov. 29, 1934. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gretchen; son Paul; parents Paul and Margarete (Kabel); and younger brother Gerhard. 

Martin grew up in Kaltenkirchen, Germany, with his sister, Dörte, and brother Gerhard. He completed his education and machinist trade school in Germany.

Martin and his fiancée, Gretchen Emma (Braasch), immigrated to the USA in 1959 and were married in Chicago, Ill., the same year. Sons Thomas and Peter were born in Chicago in 1960 and 1961. Children Paul and Cara were born in 1963 and 1965 after moving to California.

With his machinist background, Martin started his career as an auto mechanic, specializing in German cars. In 1962, the family migrated west to California, where Martin continued his career at a Mercedes dealership in Hollywood, where he created relationships with the Hollywood crowd. Because of his skills as a mechanic, these Hollywood folk followed Martin into his first business venture. He opened a gas station with auto repair in Woodland Hills, Calif. Due to customer demand, he opened a larger independent auto repair shop with a fellow German mechanic. 

Tired of the California scene, Martin moved the family to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in 1972, where he and Gretchen opened a successful new car dealership. In 1979, his enterprising spirit eventually led him from automobiles to land development and home construction. Martin always believed the USA was the land of opportunity, which allowed him and Gretchen to pursue their dreams.

Of his many hobbies, Martin became an accomplished private pilot while living in California. Always looking for more adventure, he became licensed in sail and multi-engine planes. Many family adventures were in the sky, most notably a cross-country trip from Idaho to New York and back home again. Martin also loved going into the forest to hunt the elusive elk of North Idaho. Hunting camp was a special place to share with family and friends.

Martin is survived by sons Tom (Deme) and Peter (Renee); daughter Cara Gorsuch (George); grandchildren Sarah Dellario Reyes (Jonathan), Rachel Zemina (Zach), and Tyler and Katie Gorsuch. He is also survived by his partner of 14 years, Peggy Countryman.

Special thanks to the caring staff at The Lodge at Riverside Harbor memory care and Hospice of North Idaho. In memory of Martin, contributions may be made to Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901 USA (www.dementiasociety.org)

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Please visit Martin’s online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.