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Norman Pohler Obituary
He was born in Cleveland, Ohio and raised in Canton, Ohio. He graduted from Timken High School, Class of 1943 where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Finnegan.
He retired after 30 years of service in the U.S. Army, where he served during World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. During World War II, he served with the paratroops and went to Italy in 1944 with D Battery, 460th Parachutte Field Artillary, 517th Parachute Infantry Combat Team. On Aug. 15, 1944, he jumped in the combat invasion of Southern France. Later he saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge. When the war ended in Europe, he joined the 82nd Airborne Division for occupation duty in Berlin.
After the war, he graduated from Kent State University in 1950 where he received his degree in Business Administration and his Commission through R.O.T.C.. He was assigned later as assistant professor of Military Science & Tactics at Dayton University, Dayton, Ohio.
In Dec. 1959, he was assigned as commander to the 19th Quartermaster Company in the U.S. Army Storage Facility in Taegu, Korea. During Vietnam, he served as chief of Operations Army Airforce Exchange System, Vietnam Regional Exchange, 1968 TET Offensive. Throughout his career, he was stationed three times in Germany, as well as in Japan.
He and his wife, Bonnie recently moved to Columbus, Ohio from Virginia, where he spent three tours at Ft. Lee. During his career he earned the following awards, Combat Infantry Badge, Pararchute Badge with Combat Jump, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Comendation Medal with 2 Oakleaf Clusters.
He is survived by wife of 62 years, Bonnie (nee Finnegan); son, Mike (Sally) Pohler of Tallahassee, Fla.; daughters, Cindy (Joe) Menville of San Diego, Calif. and Sue Pohler of Columbus; six grandchildren, Scott (Stephanie) Pohler of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and their children, Sydney, Seth and Shane; Andrea (Jeremy) Ables and their daughter, Kaia; Dan (Marie) Menville and their daughter, Katey; J.R. Menville and his daughter, Madison; Todd (Kiley Flowers) Menville; and Laura (Bobby) Lambert.
Friends may call at Southwick-Good & Fortkamp Funeral Chapel, 3100 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., with the date and details to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Ohio Health Homereach and Hospice, 404 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Worthington, OH 43085; or American Cancer Society, 870 Michigan Ave., Columbus, OH 43215, www.southwickfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Norman Pohler
Tim Heiman
March 4, 2009
It was my pleasure to work with Norm, if only for a brief time. He was a very special man, hard worker, & never complained (at least to me). I enjoyed talking with him during our physical therapy sessions & wish we could have spent some more time together. I'd like to have heard some more stories.
My thoughts & prayers go out to you Mrs. Pohler, Susie & Mike & the rest of your family.
Tim - HomeReach Physical Therapy
Elizabeth Youngblood
February 27, 2009
I remember you and Norm so fondly, so sorry to read of Norm's death. I would love to hear from you. Liz Youngblood 14525 Blossom Pl. Midlothian, Va 23112 Phone 804-744-7424
Helen and Barron Crist
February 27, 2009
Norman Pohler was a longtime friend of ours and he will be greatly missed. We were fortunate to have shared a part of his life. Our hearts go out to his family through these difficult times.
Brad & Stephanie McCloud
February 27, 2009
You're in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Joe, Andy & Annemarie Woofer
February 27, 2009
It is such a loss to loose such a good, long time friend
Diane Hillengas
February 27, 2009
OUR thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Norm was very special to John Ricky and I. We have very special memories .
Peter Stanhope
February 27, 2009
Sue, Marc and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Susie Bird Dennis
February 27, 2009
Mrs. Pohler & Susie,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you now. He was such a special person and personality. We will miss Col. Pohler.
I expect to see you at Arlington April 1st.
sandra & paul Jackson
February 27, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ruby and Freddie Ross
February 27, 2009
We are sad to hear Norm has passed away. He was the best neighbor and friend to us. Our prayers are with Bonnie and the rest of his family, he was a funny fellow, I can still see him sitting outside at his table going through mail.God bless you all.
Jessica Cochran
February 27, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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