Mark "Logger" Poehls

Mark left us on Tuesday, May 20, 2014. The mighty limb of an old oak sent our beloved logger home to the Lord. Mark was 56 years old, an extraordinary 112 in “logger years.”

Born February 23, 1958 to Walter and Dolores (Schleis) Poehls of Algoma, Mark grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota where he developed life-long friendships. He moved with his family to Freedom, Wisconsin where he attended high school and worked on area farms, strengthening himself for track and football, a game he greatly enjoyed to the end.

Mark is survived by the love of his life, Lori (Flanigan) Poehls, whom he married on July 12, 1980. Together they raised five wonderful sons. She shared his hopes, his fears, his dreams, and his love.

Mark began logging at 27 years young and quickly grew herculean in stature and reputation. He started Poehls & Sons Logging and worked himself ruthlessly. His incredible work ethic and efficiency grew legendary. He literary did the work of an entire crew of men by himself. He encouraged in his sons this ethic, included them in his work, and intensely watched over them. The wood yard in Mackville where he built “the shop” was his cabin in the woods—his retreat for the meditative work that held for him great meaning. His legacy will carry on through his five sons: Brian (Katie) Poehls, Karl (Carrie) Poehls, Taylor (Lydia) Poehls, Justus (Laura) Poehls, and Beau Poehls.

Mark exuded a fierce passion for life. He valued family, friends, honesty, hard work, and simplicity. His consideration for others was obvious, and it always reflected originality and depth of thought. He would not be spoon fed any idea or notion. He sought no recognition for the compassion he offered.

Mark knew how to tell a story. He entertained friends and family for long hours with oft-retold tales of hardship and humor. He captivated. His sons would sneak out of their rooms late at night to sit at the end of the hallway just to listen to him speak.

Mark delighted in his grandchildren’s visits, making sure to always have their favorite “fire gum” on hand. His grandchildren loved their “big grandpa,” loved the bear of a man who growled and chased them through the house and around the yard. He was a gentle giant to his eleven grandchildren: Tristan, Henry, Samuel, Talson, Adler, Japhy, Elsa, Aidan, Jude, Elijah and Ramona.

Mark cherished travelling with Lori, especially to warmer climates during the cold Wisconsin winters, so many of which he spent beating his frozen fingers to regain enough feeling in them to keep working.

He is further survived by his saintly mother: Dolores Poehls; his supportive brothers and their kind wives: Paul (Terri) Poehls, Will (Patti) Poehls, Patrick (Christine) Poehls, Brian Poehls; his loving sisters and their husbands: Char (Tony) Rondinelli and Mary (John) Graycarek. Mark was preceded in death by his beloved brother Jerome, whose tragic death weighed on him always; by his highly influential father Walter; and his mother and father-in-law, Don and Virginia Flanigan.

Memorial services for Mark will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 11:30 AM at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Appleton with Father Dennis Ryan officiating. Family and friends will be received on WEDNESDAY AT THE CHURCH from 9:30am until the hour of service.

A golden heart stopped beating

Hard working hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us

He only takes the best.