Joseph Michael Pohl

Joseph Michael Pohl, age 89, of Holt, Michigan, passed away on January 16, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. Joe was born on November 11, 1935, in St. Johns, Michigan, to Louis and Catherine Pohl. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Norbert (Marion), Gerald (Helen), and Fr. Leon; and sisters: Sr. Bernice, Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Bernadine, Sr. MaryAnn, and Rosaline (Delbert).
Joe was a dedicated husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He met the love of his life, Marie, when they were both in high school. They married young after Joe completed his Army tour of duty stationed in Germany. Their dedication and love for each other during the good times and challenges was a beacon to those seeking an example of true marriage vows.
After returning from Germany and receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, Joe began his career with General Motors. While working on the assembly line, he earned a bachelor's degree from Ferris State College in business administration. Joe then transitioned to an office position and was able to retire at the young age of 55. For a second career, Joe dedicated his next 30 years to making wooden toys for needy children as a volunteer with the R.J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project. He continued making toys right up until the time his body would no longer cooperate.
Joe and Marie were lifelong parishioners of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. Joe was active as an usher, lector, and Eucharistic Minister for many years. Joe's love and dedication to family, friends, and the community were evident through his generous giving of himself in any way he could. His soft-spoken words of encouragement, comfort in time of challenges, and a readiness to help his neighbor were all part of Joe's generous heart.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marie, and their five children: Joyce (DuWayne) Barker, Joan (Ronald) Lenz, Dennis (Katherine) Pohl, Kenneth (Rochelle) Pohl, and Charles (Joycelyn) Pohl. He will be deeply missed by his 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will be Monday, January 20, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the rosary at 7:00 p.m. at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Home, Holt Chapel. A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held for Joe at St. Gerard Catholic Church, Lansing, on Tuesday, January 21, at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am. The Rite of Committal and Burial will commence immediately after Mass in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.
Joe's passing leaves a void in the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to his family, friends, and community will be forever remembered. And his crooked smile will be forever cherished.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to St. Vincent DePaul-IHM or R.J. Scheffel Memorial Toy Project https://scheffel-toys.org/donations.html