Joseph Pohlod of Akron, Ohio, wrote his own obituary, and it’s wonderful.
Ohio resident Joseph Pohlod wrote his own obituary, which was published in the Akron Beacon-Journal with very few additions or edits.
Pohlod began his obit like this:
My life on earth is over and I’m resting in the arms of Jesus. I am surrounded by the loved ones who have gone before me.
He listed the immediate members of his family – living and dead. He mentioned his career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, his church work, his Navy service during World War II, vacations and fishing.
Pohlod concluded by telling his loved ones:
Do not grieve for me. Be happy that after ninety-one years, I have fought the fight, run the race, and reached the finish line. I will be waiting for all of you.
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This post was contributed by Alana Baranick, a freelance obituary writer. She was the director of the Society of Professional Obituary Writers and chief author of Life on the Death Beat: A Handbook for Obituary Writers before she passed away in 2015.
