Kenneth F. Pohlmann, 91, of Huntley, died peacefully on January 17, 2023.
Ken was born June 4, 1931, in Beatrice, Neb., to George and Charlotte Pohlmann. He met Katharine Nielsen at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and they were married June 8, 1952. A pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he served two Iowa congregations—American, La Porte City, and Gloria Dei, Cedar Rapids—and three in Illinois—St. Andrew, Glenwood; Bethel, Palatine; and St. Matthew, Itasca. From 1979 to 1987, Ken served as director of confirmation ministry with the Division for Life and Mission in the Congregation of the American Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Over the years, Ken enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, attending the opera, woodworking, solving crossword puzzles, reading, singing in the church choir and with the Prairie Singers, traveling and camping. He was very grateful that he lived a blessed and independent life, full of family and friends.
Ken is survived by his children, Kristine Stewart, Luther (Gisele) Pohlmann, and Andrea (Ken) Kulik, his grandchildren, James Stewart, Sarah Flick, Heidi (Seth) Trier, Eric (Kara) Pohlmann, Greg Pohlmann, Katharine Carlson, Kristofor Carlson, Kirstin (Matthew) Gonzalez, John Pohlmann, and Ryan Pohlmann, his 8 great-grandchildren, his son-in-law, Steve Carlson, his daughter-in-law, Vickie Pohlmann, and his special friend, Adele Wogstad, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Katharine Pohlmann, his children, Ruth Carlson, and Karl Pohlmann, his grandchildren, Timothy Pohlmann, and Alicia Stewart, and his siblings, Martha (Ervin) Haecker, Henry (Fern) Pohlmann, and Raymond (Marjorie) Pohlmann.
Visitation will be Friday, January 27, 2023, from 10 a.m. to time of service 11 a.m. all at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Ken’s name to the scholarship fund of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa (wartburgseminary.edu/giving-opportunities).
For further information please contact DeFiore Funeral Home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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You will be so very missed, I love you to the moon and back!
I remember Mr. Pohlmann when I was a boy in the 1960’s when the Pohlmann family lived next door to my family on Gordon Avenue in Cedar Rapids. Kristine and I were in the same grade at school (along with my wife (Wendi Crawford Reger). I really liked Kristine at the time and viewed her as my girlfriend. Mr. Pohlmann was a good neighbor to our whole family…especially to my dad. In his later years my dad shared with me how much he respected Mr. Pohlmann as a minister and a neighbor, and always enjoyed the two of them sharing a beer together on the Pholmann’s back stoop during the summer months. My sincere condolences to Kristine and the entire Kholmann family from both myself and Wendi. All our memories of Mr. Pohlmann are pleasant, and we are rejoicing in his home going to heaven. (Isaiah 53: 4-6) Rick and Wendi Reger
Love you Opa. Hilariously, I didn’t know your real name was Ken until I was around 7 years old. :) You’ll always be mein Opa. Thank you for all the knowledge and wisdom you sprinkled into all of our conversations. It is my hope that you, Oma, Ruth, Dad and the rest are all laughing and together in the clouds. Rest In Peace. - Your Grandson Johnny
I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences. I sang with Ken in the Prairie Singers and in the SOTP choir. He also was my neighbor when he lived on Nottingham Drive. He will be missed.
You were a great man and friend to us. You will be deeply missed. Sincere condolences to your family and many blessings to them also.
I am so sorry to miss Ken’s memorial service as I am in NY now. Ken was always such a gentleman and I will always remember his wonderful voice: THE VOICE OF GOD!! Even my grown children knew who he was when I described his voice. We first met him in Hanover Park at Living Christ Lutheran Church. I am sure he is having an interesting conversation with God now❤️❤️
Our prayers are with Ken's family and friends. He was a wonderful pastor to us at Bethel Lutheran Church as well as a good friend.
I am Uncle Ken's Niece and am close to 9 years younger than him. I was always proud to brag that at my mature age, I still have a living Uncle! Lots of fond memories of Uncle Ken and Aunt Katharine and their family. I remember my mother Fern Pohlmann, an organist, played for their Wedding and ran out of the selected Prelude Music, and began playing her makeup tunes, as the Bride was a bit late getting to the Church. All was well, and they raised a wonderful family together. Uncle Ken was truly dedicated to his Ministry profession and we say together, "Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant". I am sure he is rejoicing with loved ones who have gone before. My deepest Sympathies to Kristine, Luther, Andrea and your Families at this difficult time. May the fond memories each of you hold in your hearts of your Dad and Grandfather, be of some comfort to each of you. I wish I could be there to give you all my Love, but I will be holding each of you in my heart. Love and Hugs.
We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Kenny. We have so many fond memories of him. How blessed we are to have been a member of his family! He and your mom have left a wonderful legacy in you and your families, Kristine, Luther, and Andrea. May you take comfort in knowing that he and your mom are together once again, along with other loved ones that were awaiting him in heaven. We are sending our deepest sympathy and love to all of you, and keeping everyone in our prayers. Love, Jim and Lori