William Pohlman

William H. Pohlman, 84, died peacefully with his five daughters at his bedside at 10:00 p.m., Saturday, August 13, 2011at Alton Memorial Hospital.He was born in Grafton on Aug. 4, 1927, the son of the late William & Mary Ann (Fortschneider) Pohlman.William graduated from Grafton's three year high school, and finished his senior year at Marquette Catholic High School in Alton.He served two tours with the U.S. Air Force during World War II, and upon his return married the former Mary Louise Tolle.  The two married on Aug. 8, 1950 in Grafton and were the proud parents of seven children.  Their marriage spanned 60 years before her death earlier this year on Feb. 28, 2011.Bill & Mary were Grafton resident the vast majority of their married life, where he served as a city alderman for a number of years, and was a devoted member of both St. Patrick's Catholic Church and the Grafton American Legion.  During the winter months the two enjoyed spending time in both Destin Florida and Okeechobee Lake Florida.Surviving are five daughters & sons in law, Marianne & Bill Webster of Medora, Marty & Chuck Johnson of Illiopolis, Pat & Mike Carmean of Godfrey, Peg & Andy Balch of Chesterfield, Mo., and Nancy Bowman and her companion, John Snider of Jerseyville; 12 Grandchildren; and 11 Great Grandchildren.In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his 14 year old son, William Joseph Pohlman on Aug. 4, 1965, an infant son, George Bernard Pohlman; two brothers, Bernard Pohlman and Robert Pohlman, and an infant brother, George; and a sister, Gertrude Arnold, and an infant sister Marcella.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where a prayer service will be read at 3:30 p.m.Visitation will continue from 10 a.m Friday until time of funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Grafton, with Father Patrick Gibbons officiating.Burial will be in the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Jerseyville with the Grafton American Legion conducting military graveside rites.Memorials may be given to either the Grafton American Legion or to Masses.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home