Funeral Services planned for Kay Pohnl
Longtime children’s librarian and Rhinelander School Board member, Kay Pohnl has died. Kay was an avid golfer and sports fan, becoming a charter member of Rhinelander’s Athletic Booster Club, and was passionate about children.
Her full obituary follows.
Kay C. Pohnl, age 78, of Rhinelander, died August 8, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born April 5, 1937 in Rhinelander to Kristian “Kris” and Ethel (Bowe) Gilbertson. Kay was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great -grandmother. She was a graduate of the Rhinelander High School class of 1955, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh in 1959, the same year that she married the love of her life – Bob Pohnl. Kay was a proud member of the Rhinelander School Board for 21 years. A highlight of her time on the board was being able to present diplomas to 2 of her grandchildren before her retirement. Kay enjoyed playing slow pitch softball and bowling in the couple’s and women’s leagues at Hodag Lanes. Kay was a Club Champion many times at Eagle River Memorial Golf Club. Once Northwood Golf Course opened, she joined and competed in the Tuesday Ladies Golf League. She enjoyed every minute with the ladies until she could no longer play. She was a member of the Susan G. Komen Cancer event committee every year. Kay competed in the Channel 7 Women’s Golf invitational many times representing both courses. She scored a hole in one while playing in Eagle River – years before her mentor, her husband, got his own at Northwoods. Over 30 years of Kay’s working life were spent in the children’s department at the Rhinelander District Library, from which she retired in 2002. Kay was an avid Packer, Brewer, Badger, and Hodag fan – joining the Athletic Booster Club at its inception in the early 80s and continuing until her passing. Children were always her passion, and she will be sadly missed by those who benefited from her work and volunteer endeavors, but none more so than her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Kay is survived by her daughter Laurie Pohnl and son Thomas (Lori) Pohnl, both of Rhinelander; her grandchildren, Mary (Derrick) Vanzo, Bobbi Jo (Raphael) DeLavega and Danny (Steph Jares) Pohnl, her great-grandchildren Ellie Vanzo and Harper Vanzo; other family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert and her parents. Funeral services for Kay will be held Friday, August 14th, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Ellen Rasmussen officiating. Visitation for Kay will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, August 13, at the Carlson Funeral Home and Friday, just prior to the services, at the church. You may leave your private condolences for the Pohnl family at www.carslonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is handling the arrangements for the Pohnl family.
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