Leo Roy Pohlman, age 91, of Lakefield, Minnesota, entered into heavenly life on November 18, 2024. Memorial service will be at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Delafield Township, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:30 am with Pastor Dale Hedstrom officiating. Following the service, a Celebration of Life at North Park in Lakefield will be held.

Leo was born to August and Clara (Wagner) Pohlman on June 6, 1933, at the home of his Uncle Walter Pohlman in Heron Lake Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Peter Lutheran Church, where he continued to be a lifelong member.

Leo received his education at Country School District 17, a one room country school for grades 1-8. After completing the 8th grade, he worked full time on the family farm in Delafield Township, becoming Head of Household at age 18 for his mother and five younger siblings. On August 15, 1954, Leo married Rosella Sievert, and they celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2024. Together they raised eight children who became the same determined, resilient, and hard-working adults that their parents were.

Leo relished his time outdoors, whether he was farming the land, hunting and fishing with family and friends, or just going for a drive. Leo’s eyes were always full of mischief and his hands were always busy. He set the example for his children to work hard and play even harder. Along with farming, Leo enjoyed many different jobs during his life, truck driver, carpenter, township road maintenance, and school bus driver. Leo was an avid softball player and later coached boys Walther league softball at St. Peter Lutheran Church. He was active in the church dart ball league, and bowling leagues in Okabena. Leo’s competitive spirit was most on display when he participated in chuckwagon and chariot races, which he enjoyed immensely. At age 47, a devastating traumatic stroke caused Leo permanent disability in 1981. He showed incredible grit and determination in his recovery to resume driving farm equipment and to assist his neighbors in farming activities. He and Rosella retired to a lovely home at Fish Lake in 2002, where he particularly enjoyed driving his boat on the lake with grandchildren, fishing and driving his ATV around the community to visit friends and neighbors.

Leo will be remembered as an honest, hardworking, fun- loving, and witty man. He enjoyed visiting with family, neighbors, and friends to share stories and jokes, which he had many.

Leo is survived by his wife of 70 years, Rosella; children, Barbara Pohlman, Darrell Pohlman, Bruce Pohlman, Mike (Lynn) Pohlman, Tim (Karon) Pohlman, Lynette (Sam) Catapano, Terry (Lisa) Pohlman, Valerie (Danny) Kemp; 17 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; his brother Willard (Loretta) Pohlman; and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Matthew 25:23 – His Lord said unto him, well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.