Obituary for Donald Robert Pohl

Donald Robert Pohl, 85, of Portland, MI, passed away on January 4, 2026, at Hospice House of Lansing. Born on May 25, 1940, in Westphalia, MI, he was a devoted husband to wife of 60 years Kathleen (Gross) and a loving father to Jeff (Kim) Pohl, Amy (Shane) Coan, and Brian (Sara) Pohl.

Don was never one to sit idle. Among his many jobs were lineman and supervisor for Central Soya, bus driver for Portland Public Schools, part of the work crew at St. Patrick school and church, and owner of Don’s T.V. and Antenna Service. When not working his job, he busied himself with woodworking, gardening, and tackling any puzzle put in front of him.

He was also a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He took pleasure in having a house full of family. This was probably from being the youngest of 10 siblings and a favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife and children as well as sisters Jeanne Jones, Marie Pohl, and Loretta Esch, in-laws Germaine Gross, Jane Pohl, and Dennis (Denise) Gross, and grandchildren Kaleigh (Andy) Moore, Maddie (Keegan) Huizenga, Jace, Ellen, Jason, Noah, and Anna Pohl.

He is preceded in death by siblings Adeline, Bernard (Harriet)Pohl, Helen (Gerald) Pohl, Joseph, and Richard Pohl, Cecilia (Al) Gensterblum, as well as in-laws Don Jones, Eugene Gross, and Harold Esch.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 9, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland, MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. at Lehman Funeral Home in Portland, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital or St. Patrick Parish.