Elden Ronald Pohlman

Elden Ronald Pohlman, 72, of Caledonia, passed away March 29, 2023, after a five-year battle with ALS. 

Elden was born at the Caledonia Hospital on January 16, 1951, to Wilfred and Lucille (Albrecht) Pohlman. He was their third child. 

At an early age, he learned the importance of working hard on the family farm in Crooked Creek Valley near Freeburg. He drove Allis Chalmers tractors and helped with chores. Growing up, family was very important to the Pohlman family. Elden spent many holidays and birthdays with his cousins. Every year, the Pohlman family picked rocks, planted potatoes, threw hay bales and made sweet corn as a family. Most would consider this work, but with family these tasks were much more enjoyable.

The Pohlman family was very active in the Presbyterian Church in Caledonia, ushering and serving on several committees. Elden was confirmed on October 2, 1966.

As a kid, Elden was a member of the Crooked Creek Hi-Flyers 4-H Club. He took many projects to the fair, including grains, woodworking and beef cattle. Elden attended grade school at the Freeburg School. In 1969, he graduated from Caledonia High School and then went on to college at Western Wisconsin Technical Institute to study carpentry and cabinet making.

In 1966 Elden was introduced to Janell Belz at Whitewater State Park. Elden and Janell were pen pals and later went to prom together. Elden and Janell were married May 20, 1972. 

After graduating from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute, Elden worked in the Twin Cities as a finishing carpenter, saving for his dream – to buy his very own farm. In 1979, Elden’s dream became a reality. He raised his own beef cattle and enjoyed field work.

It was important for Elden’s children to be in the Crooked Creek Hi-Flyers 4-H club, just as he had been as a boy and his father before him. After the kids were out of 4-H, Elden enjoyed judging projects at local fairs and encouraging the next generation of 4-Hers. 

Elden and Janell joined the Minnesota Adult Volunteer Association (MAVA), which continued their support of 4-H, and at one time, he served as MAVA president. He received several awards for volunteering.

Elden became a Houston County Fair board member in 1997, also serving as president and vice president. He was very involved each year in the planning of the Houston County Fair. In 2019, Elden was presented with Houston County “Friend of the Fair” award. He was also “Person of the Year” in 2020.

In 2018, Elden was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and soon losing his ability to speak. But that did not stop him, nor his wit and sense of humor. He communicated by writing everything down in little note books he carried in the front pocket of his shirt. He was still able to get around driving Allis Chalmers tractors and planting crops. He was a competitive “Farkle” and “500” card player, winning the latter at last year’s family Thanksgiving Day gathering.

Elden is survived by his wife Janell, of 50 years; and his children Martin (Brenda) Pohlman, Michelle (Keith) Oitzman and Curtis (Dawn) Pohlman. He is also survived by grandchildren Amber, Landon, Wyatt, Aiden, Cole, Wade and Adam. Elden is further survived by siblings Jan Lee (Gary) Buxengard, Arlyn (Jean) Pohlman, Gordon (Jan) Pohlman and Lorin Pohlman; many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Celebration of life will be held at the Houston County Fairgrounds, Schulze Livestock Building on May 20. Service will be at 1:30 p.m. Celebration of life will be from 2-4:30 p.m. We will celebrate Elden’s life by sharing stories, listening to polka music and eating his favorite snacks. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials can be made to the family for later dispersal.