Ernest A. Mosher

Ernie Mosher, long-time Topeka resident, born January 1, 1928, died March 11, 2009 at the age of 81. He had a nationally recognized reputation as an authority on municipal government. He was the son of Kenneth and Minnie Mosher of Richland County, Wisconsin.
Mr. Mosher served as Executive Director of the League of Kansas Municipalities from 1960 until retirement in 1991. During that period, he tirelessly advocated for local governments at each Kansas legislative session and was Editor of the Kansas Government Journal. He also served many governmental associations and bodies such as the Kansas Geological Survey, the Kansas Association of Regional Planning Commissions, the American Society of Public Administration, and three terms on the Board of Directors of the National League of Cities. He was the author of numerous articles, reports and manuals during his long service. Mr. Mosher's long and storied experience was respected by his peers across the nation, as is reflected by numerous awards and other recognitions. He had the honor of receiving numerous proclamations in recognition of his of public service, and particularly cherished a plaque from the National League of Cities noting his role as the collective conscious and guiding presence of this organization.
Ernie was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and was a Volker Fellow in the graduate school of public affairs at Wayne State University.
Mr. Mosher also made time for other contributions to his community. He was a long-time member of First Congregational Church, holding many leadership positions and spearheading the First Church Garden. He also served several terms on the Topeka-Shawnee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. He stayed active in his retirement, with family and church responsibilities and his ongoing interest in research and writing. His book, Mourning Covers: The Cultural and Postal History of Letters Edged in Black, received the 2004 literature award of the U.S. Philatelic Classics Society.
Among his many works Mr. Mosher once wrote, "My life's experience is that community, at least a sense of community, is of both civil and human importance, that people need a sense of place and identity, of belonging to something that is bigger than they are." No one who new Ernest A. Mosher has any doubt that he contributed greatly to the ability of many people to achieve that sense of community, and thereby enriched their lives.
Ernie married Mary Elaine Larson on September 5, 1953. Mary was the love of his life and that love grew stronger over their 55 years of marriage. She survives.
Other survivors include their sons E. Allen Mosher and wife Gina of Bethesda, Md., Mark A. Mosher and wife Michelle of Olathe, KS, and Matthew J. Mosher and wife Kathy of Topeka, and their grandchildren Kelsey, Elizabeth, Aubree, Nathan, Shannon, Andrew and Kylie Mohler; each of which were cherished deeply.
Mr. Mosher's cremated remains will be interned at the First Congregational Church Garden alongside those of his daughter Melinda Ann (Mosher) Diamond, who died in 2001. A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church, 1701 S.W. Collins, Topeka, at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14.

[Memorial contributions to First Congregational Church or charity of your choice]