Thomas Wayne Poehls

Thomas Wayne Poehls, 82, passed away in Chicago on January 15, 2026, after many complications from open heart surgery. He was surrounded by his family.

Tom was born and raised in Algoma, WI. After leaving high school, he went on to graduate from University of Wisconsin where he became an avid "Badger" fan.

Tom started his career in Chicago, IL as a stockbroker at several "houses" ultimately retiring from Merrill Lynch. His passion for finance became his hobby. He'd follow the market daily, pick the brains of his friends and former colleagues and advise his sons on where to put their money. I think today they would say he advised them well.

Tom was involved in sports his whole life. He felt so strongly that participating in sports would serve you well in life by forming lifelong friends, learning social skills and of course your health. Early on it was basketball, tennis, running, skiing and scuba diving. Upon retirement, his focus shifted to joining a nearby health club where he became an avid "spinner", running on a treadmill and golf, although Tom refused to call this exercise. Through all these activities, he built friendships that lasted the test of time.

Tom and his wife traveled to many places throughout their life but the last 10 years concentrated on taking religious pilgrimages with Holy Name Cathedral and the same core people that would put these casual trips together. Tom was a devout Catholic and his faith gave him the strength to persevere these last months.

Tom would say his greatest accomplishment in life was being a dad. Whether it was biking, CUBS games, skiing or just dinners in the back yard, he was up for it. He just wanted to be with them.

Tom is survived by Donna, his wife of 49 years, Jake and wife Bernie who became the daughter he never had, Matt as well as his beloved dog Stella. A brother, Richard Poehls (Alison), from Green Bay, WI. Sister's in law Pat and Linda Demers of Lowell, MA. And many cousins and extended family.

Family and friends will meet on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Saint Clement Church, 642 West Deming Place, Chicago, Illinois 60614 for an 10:00 a.m. Visitation followed by a 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass.

Private Rite of Committal at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Algoma, WI.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, 800-242-8721, www.heart.org.

For further information please call Michalik Funeral Home at 312-421-0936.