Service Information
Thomas E. Pohlen, age 76, of Excelsior, Minnesota, formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Trouvaille Memory Care Suites in Excelsior.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Interment will take place at a later date in Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.
Obituary
Thomas Edward Pohlen was born on April 8, 1945, in Sheldon, Iowa. He was the son of Pete and Doris (O’Donnell) Pohlen. Tom was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon, Iowa. He received his education in Sheldon, and was a graduate with the Sheldon High School class of 1963. He furthered his education at the University of Iowa, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry. Tom then went to the University of Illinois to obtain his Master’s Degree in Chemistry.
On June 17, 1967, Tom was united in marriage to Carolyn Dolieslager at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheldon, Iowa. This marriage was blessed with three children, Michael, Katherine and John. Tom and Carolyn resided in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota in 1973. They shared 47 years of marriage, prior to the passing of Carolyn in 2014.
Tom was employed as a Quality Engineer with Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing. Following his retirement from 3M, he taught Chemistry at Ridgewater College in Hutchinson, MN. Tom was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson.
Tom was very “academic” and enjoyed studying mathematics and chemistry, and playing chess. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends.
Tom passed away on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at Trouvaille Memory Care Suites in Excelsior, Minnesota, at the age of 76 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Tom is survived by his
Children, Michael Edward Pohlen of Minnetonka, MN,
Katherine Anne Pohlen of Minneapolis, MN,
John Matthew Pohlen of St. Paul, MN;
Grandchildren, Danielle Pohlen, Samantha Pohlen, Cameron Pohlen, Lilah Pohlen;
Many other relatives and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by his Parents, Pete and Doris Pohlen; Wife, Carolyn Pohlen; Sister, Alice File; Brother, George Pohlen.
Lowell Baerenwald says
Tom was professionally so very accomplished but what sticks out for me he was a real “human being”. When I think of Tom I can’t think of a more honest person who just exuted integrity, compassion, and was such a giving person to any of us who had the pivilege/honor of knowing him in life.
Larry+Graf says
Tom was a great person to be around. Many wonderful memories of our hockey days. RIP Tom.
Terry DeVries says
A great friend, since our earliest days in Sheldon, IA, until Tom’s later years in Hutchison, MN. I never met a better person or friend. And his special care for Carolyn never ceased to amaze me. A very special person, who always put other peoples needs before himself. RIP Tom, and God’s blessings to his three children, and to the rest of the family.
Bob Shimanski says
To the family of Tom Pohlen, he was a special man. I had him for a statistical class at 3M . I learned so much from him. Blessed be his memory!
Judy Kaiser says
My sympathy to you on losing your Dad. Sometimes they call memory loss the long goodbye. May he rest in peace.
Michelle Rischmiller says
My condolences to Tom’s family. Tom taught me Chemistry at Ridgewater and what a teacher he was! He lived and breathed chemistry but was also able to laugh (usually at our expenses) when we just weren’t “getting it” in the beginning. As much as I didn’t enjoy it at first, Tom made it very interesting and his passion for it was radiating. He learned quickly my passion was to do well and he always knew I’d be visiting him after class. I’ve thought about him often since I left Ridgewater and I’m saddened to learn of his passing.
Jane (Pierce) Rowland says
So sad to hear this. My family lived across the street from the Pohlen’s. My memory of Tom is watching him throw a football through a tire hanging from a tree. Pretty sure he was our high school quarterback. RIP Tom.
Jeff Dyke says
Tom was the most decorated graduate in the history of Sheldon High School. He was Valedictorian, Citizen of the Year, he won the Science Award, he was Athlete of the Year, and President of the Letterman’s Club. He won every major award except for music.
In addition, Tom lettered in football, basketball, track & field, and golf. And he was the starting quarterback on the football team.
Besides that, he was a great guy.
Tom Whorley says
I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your father and grandfather. I was a Sheldon Orab and graduated with your mother, Carolyn. I spent time with Tom growing up and Tom was one of Sheldon’s finest athletes, an outstanding student, but above all, was a man of integrity. Tom will be missed, but not forgotten in Sheldon, Iowa, as he will long live as a member of the Sheldon Hall of Fame.
Verlyce French says
Sympathy to the Pohlen family. I worked with Tom on several projects at 3M and attended several of the classes he
did at 3M. He made any project interesting.
Jan says
John, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He sounded like a wonderful person! Jan Nordstrom
Sarah Eckstein says
I had the pleasure of meeting Tom in the Fall of 2017 and caring for him for two years. Tom enjoyed talking about his kids Mike, Kathy & John, going to MN Gopher games, out to movies, Olive Garden (for the spaghetti and butter with a little bread), going for drives, planting flowers, listening to music (Josh Groban, Andre Rieu, The Drifters, Dion and more), bird watching, going to Barnes and Noble, and many other things. We’d listen to beautiful songs together and we’d both tear up and I’d always joke that they were trying to make us cry and Tom and I would laugh together and just enjoy the moment. Tom was a wonderful man and I was lucky enough to get the chance to know him.
My condolences to the Pohlen family.
Chester Kiekhafer says
My sympathies for Tom’s family and friends. He was a wonderful person and friend to many. We collaborated on several projects while working together at the 3M Hutchinson plant. I often visited with him after visiting with my Dad at the Woodstone Senior Living Center. He was a joy to be around. RIP Tom…
Ben Golas says
The fun memories of Tom are endless.
His smile, his giggle, twinkle in his eyes, and definitely his enthusiasm and the many conversations of work and life.
At work, Tom was tireless, and always did his analysis and used the facts to convince the most ornery people to do the right thing. And his enthusiasm, twinkle, giggle and smile helped to convince them to accept all the statistical stuff.
And we talked about life – Tom was perplexed & pondering Mike wanting to play Junior Hockey (or whatever it was called back then) and Tom wanting Mike to go directly to college. We talked of Tom and Carolyn were raising their kids right. If he doesn’t go, there is always the question of ‘what if….’. So let him go. He will be away from home, get a good life experience and be better for it, and then come back. Tom agreed (without any statistical analysis).
Enjoy your memories of Tom.
Peace to all.
John Ditlefsen says
I learned so much from Tom in 18 years of working together, playing together and watching our boys play hockey. He was a terrific athlete, teacher and co-worker. He was even better as a husband, father and friend.
Judy Hagen says
Tom was a wonderful care giver to Carolyn for so many years. I am happy for Tom to be home with Jesus and Carolyn. May he Rest In Peace. My sympathy to Kathy,Mike and John he will be missed.
Janet Meier says
So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. His enthusiasm for chemistry in his Ridgewater classes that he taught and his sharing of real-life experiences with chemistry inspired my son to change his major to something more related to chemistry – pharmacy. Mr. Pohlen made a difference!
Janet Meier says
Best darn simultaneous, multi-board chess player around!
James Dame says
My condolences and prayers are sent out to Tom’s family at this time…..
I had the distinct honor of working with Tom for 7 years while in 3M Hutchinson as part of the management team. His command of
statistical processes, teaching product and process understanding to the workforce and management alike, was truly remarkable.
I recall with a smile coming to see him over lunch hour, there he is in his office- eating a sandwich and doing calculus problems for the fun of it!
Rest in Peace Tom, you ran life’s race well……
James Dame
Bill Rolfes says
While I never worked at the same 3M location as Tom, I had the privilege of knowing him through the Statistical Practitioners and Quality organizations at 3M. Tom contributed to his professional and personal communities in many ways. While he will be missed, I’m sure his family will find solace in celebrating his many accomplishments.
Marge Scholla says
Tom was an intelligent, respected, and great leader. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him for 20 plus years. My sincere sympathy to the Pohlen Family. Marge Scholla
Ken Baxter says
Tom was my best friend in our last years of high school and we roomed together our first year of college. Tom was simply a great human being. One of the best people I have known. Scholar, athlete, friend and citizen, Tom approached everything with a gifted mind and pure heart. We played a lot of chess. I don’t think I ever beat Tom. His loss is a loss for humanity. RIP good friend.
Jim and Becky Felling says
Tom was a wonderful Dad to his three children and a devote husband to Carolyn. Blesses be his memory, Jim and Becky Felling
Doug Weiss says
I was honored to know Tom during our work together @ 3M Hutchinson. He was a true leader for Quality at Hutch and even across 3M. I recall him also being a dedicated and very caring husband for Carolyn. He left us too soon. Rest in Peace, Tom
Mike Bennett says
I was privileged to know Tom during my 20 years at the 3M Tape Plant in Hutchinson. He was a mentor and teacher to countless engineers and staff, many that went on to positions of high level management within the Company. Tom was one of those unique individuals that loved learning for learnings sake. He was always willing to lend his mind to help solve problems with systems or processes. Tom’s work schedule was not “9-to-5” and could be found at his desk working. Our schedules were similar and we spent many hours over the years solving the world’s problem. Tom was genuine, kind and dedicated. May he Rest In Peace. Sympathy to the family.