Gilbert I. Pohl

1924 - 2018

Gilbert I. Pohl, 94, of Coldwater, passed away Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at Grand Vista, surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church with Rev. Fr. Paul Redmond officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post #52, Drill Team. Visitation will be held, prior to the service, on Saturday from 9 -10:30 a.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Gilbert was born July 28, 1924 in Ottoville, OH to the late Frank & Elizabeth (Cavalage) Pohl.
He served in the US Army from 1942-1945 and was a veteran of WWII. Assigned to Company B, 36th Signal Heavy Construction Battalion, Gil was instrumental in constructing a 1600 ft open-wire span across the Rhine River in Germany. He was interviewed by the Yankee Air Museum which has since been entered into the Library of Congress. He was a longtime member of the Quincy American Legion.
In May of 1946, Gilbert met the love of his life, Mary, at the Blinking Owl in Lima, OH. On July 26, 1947, Gilbert married Mary A. Hemker in Delphos, OH and they have shared 71 wonderful years together.
Gil's love of farming led him to a lifelong career in agriculture. He managed Kroeger Farms in Delphos, OH from 1945-1956. After relocating to Coldwater he owned and operated his own family farm until his retirement in 1987. He had also served as president of the National Farmer's Organization.
Gil was formerly a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Delphos, OH and for the past 60 years a member of St. Charles in Coldwater, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. Gil had served as the St. Charles Church and School custodian for 19 years.
Gil adored his family, especially his many grandchildren. He enjoyed his church family, breakfast buddies, neighbors and the many dear friends who have passed before him. Gilbert enjoyed reading, camping, playing cards, bowling, fishing, tending to the grape arbors and making wine. He loved growing and selling sweet corn, golf cart rides and just monkeying around outside. His fondest memories were of the time he spent in the US Army.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Mary, his daughters Marilyn (Eric) Posler, Lois Tell, Pat (Dennis) Babjack all of Coldwater, Marj Sturtz of Quincy, Joan (Steve) Carr of Adrian, Linda Green, Theresa (Roy) Snyder and Monica (Bob) Granger all of Coldwater, 23 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild and one arriving soon. Gil was preceded in death by his brothers Robert, Norbert and Bernard Pohl, sisters Lenora and Ruth and son in laws Jim Sturtz and Dave Powell.
Memorials may be directed to St. Charles Borromeo School. www.dutcherfh.com