William H. J. Pohl

There are many who store up treasures on earth, but few who make it their lifes ambition to store their treasures in heaven. William H. J. Pohl was such a man who lived his life not only to bring glory to his Lord above, but also to touch the hearts and lives of the countless others within his reach. Bill was a firm believer in the idea that hard work and perseverance reap results, and that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. He made it well known that his beloved wife was the love of his life with whom he established generations of young ones who will be his lasting legacy. Times certainly have changed from the decade of the 1910s. Life back then was filled with struggles such as poverty and racial tensions, as well as disputes about child labor laws and unsafe working conditions within numerous industries. This was a time of great joy, however, in the home of Henry Julius and Hanna (Anderson) Pohl as they welcomed the birth of their son, William Henry Julius, on September 26, 1916. William was born in Traverse City, Michigan, as the fifth of six children, although his brother Clinton had died before Bill was born. Bill was blessed with three older sisters who, lucky for him, loved to fuss over their younger brother. Bill, in turn, had a special connection with his little sister Louise. His father worked as a food store and movie theater manager in Traverse City while his mother was a homemaker. While he was quite young, Bills family moved to Muskegon where they settled in the Jackson Hill area. When he was twelve, Bills father died. While growing up, he enjoyed ice skating, playing baseball (nicknamed Lefty), and was popular with the girls, especially on the beach. As his older sisters married, Bill spent more time in their homes. He attended Froebel Elementary school and graduated from Muskegon High School in 1936. He was a proud Big Red. Life was forever changed for Bill when he met a delightful young gal named Stella Lawrence. They met at the The Mart where Bill often ice skated and she sold popcorn. They soon began dating and after falling in love, Bill and Stella were married on November 29, 1941. Then they moved to an apartment where their first two children were born. After a move to their first house on Wilson Road, WWII called Bill to join the Army. He was discharged just six months later due to a recurring back ailment. Soon after, three children were added. Eventually, their family moved to a home on Laketon Avenue, which also became Bills real estate office. One thing that was very important to Bill was working hard in order to provide for his family. He worked as a machinist and steward at Continental Motors before he retired after 33 years. Retirement looked a bit different for Bill than it does for many, since he kept himself busy with his real estate business. With his entrepreneurial spirit, Bill was both a real estate agent and broker who started his own business, William Pohl Realty, and sold insurance. The Pohl family experienced a devastating blow with the death of Nancy Jo in 1951. This experience changed the entire family and led Bill to focus more on spiritual issues. He became an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, which provided their family with much support and opportunities and years of involvement. As a member of the church, Bill sang in the Mens Chorus, became active in visitation ministries at the Rescue Mission and local nursing homes, was an usher, and also participated with the Senior Saints trips. Bill was community-oriented and served as the chairman of the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He represented the chapter in New York during the fifties. In many ways, Bill was a father who was devoted to his children. He was caring, supportive, and fun-loving. He instilled within his children the drive to become somebody. There were countless memories made as a family while traveling to visit Stellas relatives in Tennessee and Missouri, camping, having picnics in the park, and attending gatherings in celebration of holidays or special events. Oftentimes they found fun in simple things like walking on the beach or in the woods, eating popcorn on the Causeway, tobogganing, or savoring a half-stick of gum. Of course, Bill taught his children to ice skate, and they will always hold dear the times he shared this passion with them. Sundays found their family taking leisurely drives, often stopping for cones or heading home for brown cows. Later in life, Bill made the most of each moment. He enjoyed beach combing, bike riding, watering flowers, and writing poetry. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren - often feeding ducks, picking apples, digging for worms, or teaching them how to do things. Bill sustained a long standing interest in science & technology. Bill also enjoyed his Sunday afternoon naps, reading the daily newspaper, watching the Tiger games whether on television or in person, and sharing bakery treats. During his later years, Bill received excellent care from Dayspring Assisted Living Center, Hackley Hospice, and Heartwood Lodge. His love for Stella was exhibited often by his singing My Wild Irish Rose when he saw her. He was deeply saddened with her death in August of 2009. It is an intimidating task to summarize the life of William Pohl in just a few words. He was loving, loyal, generous, patient, jovial, and creative. Bill was always ready to share a smile with anyone as an outpouring of the love he had for Jesus his savior in his heart. He was patient, philosophical, and a visionary who was passionate about a New Muskegon. As Bills family and friends now say goodbye, his favorite word resonates within the depths of their souls AMEN! William Bill Henry Julius Pohl died Wednesday, January 6, 2010. Bills family includes his sons, Michael Pohl, Daniel Pohl; daughters, Judie (Neil) Schmachtenberger, Cathy (Gary) Neuman Ritsema; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Stella in August, 2009; daughter, Nancy Jo Pohl in 1951; brother, Clinton; sisters: Emma Gardner, Lucile Mulder, Bertha Ryerson, and Louise Wright. A service will be held on Monday, January 11, 2010, 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Church of Fruitport, 5873 Kendra Rd., with Rev. Dr. William J. Rudd officiating. Interment at Restlawn Cemetery. Visit with Bills family on Sunday, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI, and Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Calvary Church of Fruitport.