Mathias Poehnelt

Mathias “Matt” H. Poehnelt, 97, passed away at his home, at the Waterford of Colby, Wednesday, June 9, 2021, under the care of hospice.

Matt was born June 24, 1923, in Chelsea, to Julius and Anna (Ramskugler) Poehnelt.

He graduated from Medford High School with the Class of 1940. He later enlisted to the Army Air Corps and served as a pilot trainer during World War II.

That’s where he met his first wife, Dorothy Glenn, as she too, was serving in the Army Air Corps. They married in Biloxi, Miss., and after serving, they moved to Wisconsin, where they farmed for many years in rural Abbotsford. They had 14 children and later divorced.

He then moved to Holcombe, where he would marry his second wife, Shirly Retzlaff. He was a proud veteran, member of the Local Operator Engineers 139, blood donor, tractor puller (he would say “If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed”), gardener and fisherman.

Matt enjoyed his fishing trips to Canada and Alaska. He also ran the town grader in Holton Township and Lake Holcombe Township, and ran all sorts of construction equipment.

He is survived by five sons: Tom (Diane), Donald (Jackie), Mike, Mark and Jim; five daughters: Karen (Lance) Ludwig, Sandy (Mike) Jakel, Sharon (Henry) Blume, Linda (Steven) Bach and Donna (Kevin) Kalepp; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; three sisters; his first wife, Dorothy; second wife, Shirley; three sons: Ronald, David and Richard; and one daughter, Julie; and her husband David Schindhelm.

There will be a graveside service at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Holcombe, Aug. 7, at 2 p.m., with military honors. A light lunch will follow at Black Bear Lodge in Holcombe.

The family would like to extend its gratitude to Matt’s friend, Bernice, for helping him adjust to a new life at the Waterford, all the staff at the Waterford and Heartland Hospice, for their care and help.

Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a veterans group or animal shelter.

Paid obituary 106370