Jerome Joseph Poelzer

On Sunday, March 9, 2025 Jerome “Jerry” Poelzer of Kamloops, B.C., passed away surrounded by his loving family. He was 95.

Predeceased by his wife Lillian in 2009, Dad was the patriarch of a large, loving, and connected family. He had a strong and unwavering Catholic faith. Dad will always be remembered as one of the founders of OLPH. Bishop Harrington relied on the Poelzer family to help build that incredible church and parish. He was a hardworking and humble man who set the bar very high for all in his life. Not a day passed that he wasn’t helping a neighbour or a family member.

He leaves behind his seven children and their families: Karen (Garry) Heringer, Brian (Steve), Denis (Kim), Kevin, Dolores, Glen (Michelle), and Ione (Dave) Harestad. His 11 grandchildren: Drew, Trevor, Sarah, Amanda, Lewis, Eric, Simon, Anna, Jane, Lauren, Ian, and two great grandchildren Kirrah and Daxton. Grandpa loved each one in his own way, and was always eager to hear of their accomplishments. Also grieving his passing are nieces and nephews from his large extended family, many close family friends, and neighbours.

Dad was born on Sept 27, 1929 in Bay Trail / Humboldt, Saskatchewan to Michael and Elizabeth Poelzer (nee Hinz). He was predeceased by all of his 11 siblings: Rita (Ken) Wiederholt, Angie (Tim) Desmond, Millie (Leo) Lisowski, Sr Dolores, Sr Zita Marie, Sr Agnes, and Sr Irene, and brothers Arnold (Teresa), Ray (Kay), Charles and Bernard (Cecile). Dad spoke fondly of his childhood and shared many stories.

Dad attended St Peter’s College in Saskatchewan, where he received his teaching certificate. On July 12, 1954, he married the love of his life, Lillian Moldenhauer, the daughter of Roy and Mary Moldenhauer in Allan, Saskatchewan. The duo set out to begin a new life in Kamloops, where Dad had accepted a teaching position with KIRS, which he held for 10+ years. He was a dedicated teacher and committed to his students.

After teaching, Dad then shifted gears and took a position with B.C. Highways, until a serious back injury in the mid-1970s. At that time, Dad started working at Irly Bird Building Supplies, and then Handyman Building Supplies until his retirement. He loved to tinker and fix things and had a special knack as a “handyman”. This was a role that he was famous for, and he would spend most of his free time helping friends and family. He would fix anything or lend a helping hand whenever he was needed. Dad was happiest on a tractor helping on family farms with the haying, baling and harvesting. Dad lived his last 60 years in the home he built for his family.

An avid athlete throughout his life, Dad excelled at many sports. In his youth he played Fastball, Volleyball, and in particular Hockey where he won the Allan Cup in 1949. He was a champion Handball player throughout his college years, and when they moved to Kamloops, he played Senior Men’s Fastball and Hockey. Dad was involved in sports for as long as his body and family demands allowed. He instilled a love of sports in his children and grandchildren.

Dad was a dedicated and well-known coach at many levels in local sports. He was most proud of coaching the Kamloops Jay Rays and the OLPH Aces in baseball, and an entire generation of softball players in North Kamloops. It is not uncommon for friends and associates to talk about how Dad’s coaching influenced their lives.

Dad was a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in North Kamloops, helping build and maintain the church and attending regularly until he was physically unable. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Counsel 8132. Many will remember him in his usual church pew singing softly and praying for others.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Mass will be held at OLPH Church on Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception. With Prayers on Friday, March 21st at 6:00 pm at OLPH Church.

For those who cannot attend, the service will be live streamed, and available for 30 days, at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=b46d8cd4-c13f-4fbd-9f4e-b5674ce88f9b

In honour of Dad (Jerry) and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The OLPH Catholic church, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, British Columbia.