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Ronald Poelman Obituary
Ronald Eugene Poelman, age 83, died November 19, 2011, in his home in Salt Lake City, Utah, from causes incident to aging. Elder Poelman was an Emeritus General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was born May 10, 1928, in Salt Lake City, to Hendrik and Ella May Perkins Poelman. The eldest of six children, he worked his way through the University of Utah and received his Juris Doctor degree from its School of Law.
Elder Poelman was married to Claire Stoddard Poelman on March 30, 1950, who predeceased him in l979. On June 29, 1982, Elder Poelman married Anne G. Osborn, M.D., professor of radiology at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Poelman was Chief Corporate Counsel of Consolidated Freightways, Inc., headquartered in Menlo Park, CA, and had just been named Executive Vice-President when he relocated to Salt Lake City to fill his calling as a General Authority.
Elder Poelman was active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce and Ballet West. He was well-known for his dedication to his family and calling, physical fitness regimen, his whimsical sense of humor, and love of life. Late in his life he fell in love with a frisky young blond, his adored golden retriever Honey Bear.
Elder Poelman is survived by his wife, Anne Osborn Poelman, his four children, Deborah (wife of Robert Anderson), Ronald S. Poelman (husband of Mary Batty Poelman), Diane (wife of Jeffrey Parker), Laurel (wife of Lawrence Featherstone), four siblings (B. Lloyd Poelman, Stuart Poelman, Keith Poelman, and Marva Poelman Pothier), 18 grandchildren, and 22 great grandchildren.
Elder Poelman was predeceased by his parents, his first wife Claire, and his sister Carol Poelman Feltch.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 22, at 12:00 noon at the Salt Lake Emigration Stake center, 589 East 18th Avenue, Salt Lake City. Public viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 21, at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple and Tuesday morning at the stake center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, Elder Poelman and his wife Anne would like any donations made to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150). The family extends special thanks to his physician, Thomas S. Caine, M.D., the wonderful HomeInstead caregiving team, and the Rocky Mountain hospice team that helped make his final days comfortable.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Poelman
June Petrie
December 17, 2011
Dear Annie, So sorry to hear of your husband's passing last month. It has been many years since our last contact but you and your sister have always been a part of my fond memories, along with Taffy, the golden retriever you provided for me in my early years in Utah.My family and I send our condolences to you and yours. June & Gene Petrie
Jude Rubadue
December 3, 2011
My Dear Anne, Carol K. called us and I heard this news on this Thursday, just before the wild winds blew through downtown SLC. Our magnificent 45 ft. white fir on the south side of the house was rocked by the gusts until it accepted gravity. I told my friends that 2 giants in my life had laid down. Alta is gorgeous and quiet. I love you and miss you. Jude
Jason Hunt
November 27, 2011
I remember well being shown by Ron and Ann around the newly refurbished home in Salt Lake in 1995. He was happy to be able to get easy access to his gym equipment. I have the choice memory of the Sunday afternoon spent with them at the home of Ron Jnr and the family singing English songs like Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory. All showed kind hospitalityand made me feel like one of the family. Of course this bond comes from my best friend Lawrence Feathersone who is married to Ron's beautiful daughter Laurel. Ron taught me so much in a short time about having a positive approach to life and about the importance of giving of oneself. I feel honoured to know him. My sincere condolences and love. Jason L Hunt
Brad Tharp
November 25, 2011
Ron Poelman Family - I was so sorry to read of Elder Poelman's passing this morning. I have fond memories of times in California being in the same ward as your family and when he served in the Stake Presidency of the Palo Alto Stake. May you be spiritually lifted during this difficult time in your life knowing that he had such a positive impact on others.
Michael & Susan McShane
November 23, 2011
Annie,
I have such love for you and Ron as you associated with Mom and Dad in the Yalecrest 1st Ward. I am always touched when I think of the time that Ron spent coming to visit with Dad. Even when it was hard for Dad to formulate his thoughts into speech, Ron would patiently wait and then carry on the conversation with Dad. You will never know how much that interest and love meant to Dad. I am sorry for your loss, thank you and Ron for the great example of love you have shown our family, may love be returned to you manifold at this difficult time.
November 23, 2011
This message is for Ron Poleman Jr. He is our Home Teacher in our ward in Sandy, Utah. Ron we are so sorry for your loss. We pray our Father in Heavens choicest blessing to be upon you and your family at this time. We will see you in 3 weeks when our mission in Vladivostok, Russia is completed.
Our love,
Marty and Susan Bodell
Hank Taylor
November 23, 2011
Ron is one of my true heros.
Shirley Campbell
November 22, 2011
In the early 1960's Ron was our Home Teacher and I have fond memories of his visits.
I also have special memories of being in a luncheon group with Claire for many years.
Anne has a special spot in my heart. My husband, Paul and son, Roger and I walked into a stake conference in Amsterday in re: 1983 and when Ron and Anne saw us they waved from the stand and at the conclusion of the meeting, Anne gave me the flowers she had been presented with. Very touching!
My love to all the family.
Shirley Campbell, Palo Alto
Karen Shepard-Mortensen
November 22, 2011
Dear Laurel, So sorry for the loss of your father. He was a great man. I hope you are doing well. I hope you will contact me. It would be great to reconnect with you after our BYU days. May God's spirit be with you at this time.
Love, Karen Shepard Mortensen
Brian Maddox
November 22, 2011
It was my pleasure helping out Elder Poelman the few times I got to help during the last few months. I always felt welcomed there. He touched my life with his caring and his words of enlightenment to me. I am glad that I was able to get the right people in there to see him and work with him. All of my CAREGivers have told me how wonderful he is and how their lives have been touched with the Poelman family. Thanks for being so wonderful.
Jo Ellen Ashworth
November 22, 2011
I have a sweet memory of Elder Poelman. In the early 1980s, my roommate and I had season tickets to Ballet West. And Brother Poelman, who was then widowed, had season tickets for the same night. We saw Elder Poelman bring many dates to the ballet, but the first time we ever saw him smile was the night he brought Dr. Osborn.
Jay Lisonbee
November 22, 2011
I have wonderful memories of Ron and Anne. It was wonderful being Brother Poelman's home teaching companion. I learned so much from him. The family has my sincere sympathy and I thank you for sharing Ron with me.
Steve Davis
November 22, 2011
I met several times with Elder Poelman while I worked for the University of Utah dealing with his special assignment for the brethren - how the church needs to fight prostitution. Elder Poelman's 1984 speech is a treasured message about truth over tradition and how one needs to follow the Lord's Plan in being one with the Lord. We talked about the Resurrected Christ requiring all 2,500 to be re-baptized.....same is needed for the Millennium was his recommendation. Thanks, Ronald, for being a true friend. SDavis
V. Dallas Merrell
November 22, 2011
Karen and I adored Ron and Ann, and our years serving together and being enlivened by his spirit and commitment. We pray for Ann's continuing faithful example and influence with their family.
Joseph Wirthlin, Jr.
November 22, 2011
Anne, Kathy and I express are deepest sympathy in passing of Ron. What a wonderful couple you have been and our memories are deep with the wonderful times you came to Dad and Mothers home and associated with our family. May the Lord bless you and lift you knowing of the wonderful life and service your husband has made to the Church and his family.
Joe and Kathy Wirthlin
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