May 27, 1919 - August 19, 2013
Robert Eugene Pohl, Jr., age 94, died on Monday, August 19th, in his home of almost 60 years, in the same bed his beloved Kay died only three years ago. Bob's family, his Catholic faith and alma mater, Notre Dame, were his priorities.
Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Bob attended Notre Dame and later enlisted in the Army. He was aboard ship, bound for Japan, when the war ended. He then decided to stay in California after experiencing its temperate climate where he landed a job at Pacific Press and met the love of his life, Katherine Lancaster.
Bob & Kay married in 1948 and started their family immediately. Shortly after the births of their first three children, Bob contracted tuberculosis and was sequestered in a Los Angeles sanitarium for over two years. Kay raised the children with the help of her mother and the family visited Bob on weekends. After a healthy recovery, Bob returned home and to his job as a salesman at Pacific Press. Following the birth of their fourth child, Kay contracted tuberculosis and she too found herself living in the sanatorium. Their fifth & final child was born soon after she came home.
Bob had survived the war and the depression so the challenges of tuberculosis and starting a family were easily met.
Indicative of the central role family played in his life, he and Kay organized 21 consecutive family reunions, bringing together their five children and spouses, twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
After retiring from Pacific Press, he started Pohl/Ayers with his great partner, Roger.
Pohl lived his beliefs. He faithfully embedded himself in the Our Lady of Guadalupe parish. As the parish evolved so did Bob. Last Lent he learned to say the rosary in Spanish to better share the experience with his fellow parishioners.
He was the University of Notre Dame's biggest fan, faithfully attending, watching and "re-watching" every football game of every season. He died knowing that they were undefeated in 2012 & he did not doubt that they would be so again in 2013.
Bob Pohl was a man of unmatched character whose charisma was expressed with a keen interest in people, ideas and politics. He touched all who knew him. He considered himself so fortunate. His family and friends know that the real fortunate ones are those who were loved by him. The world is such a better place because Bob Pohl graced it every day with enthusiasm, an embracing smile, humility and a willingness to share himself and his gifts.
Bob Pohl is survived by his five children, Bob, Beezy, Jim, Peter, and Katie, as well as by his two sisters Jackie and Peach.
Bob will be remembered & celebrated at a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in La Habra on Friday, September 27th @ 1:00. A great reception will follow the Mass!
If you wish to make a donation in Bob's honor it should be sent to the following: Robert E. Pohl Jr Scholarship, Development Department, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, In., 46617.
