Larry Lee Pohlman, 88, was called to the eternal arms of his Savior on October 19, 2024, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Born on May 14, 1936, in a quintessential farmhouse in Dearborn County, Indiana, to Leon and Mabel (Hoppmire) Pohlman, Larry married his best friend, Sara Peters, on March 8, 1969, who survives him.
Throughout his remarkable life, Larry could be found fly fishing, collecting cars (especially roadsters and convertibles), working in his wood shop at his beloved lake house, traveling out west with family (he cherished Jackson Hole, Wyoming), bird watching, golfing, playing the drums, coin collecting, and attending Marion First Friends Church, where he sang in the choir.
Larry is best known for his passion and knowledge of football. He began his coaching career as an enthusiastic high school football coach in northern Indiana, leading to an impressive high school coaching career. Over more than 60 years of coaching, Larry was fortunate to work in three different states, holding positions such as head coach, offensive coordinator, and athletic director, among many others. Even after retirement, he continued to coach, fueled by his love for the game and his players, which began at Greensburg High School, where he was an all-star athlete. Larry not only played football but also baseball and basketball, graduating from Greensburg High School in 1954. He went on to play college football at New Mexico Western University, where he graduated in 1958 and later earned a master’s degree in education from Purdue University. On any given Sunday, you could find Larry watching football. Even after he and Sara became empty nesters, watching football after church in the fall remained a family tradition. He always rooted for his alma mater—unless they were playing Notre Dame, which made for some tough moments.
Larry is survived by his wife, Sara, and their four children: Kris Pohlman of Ohio, Patricia Brown of Marion, Anna Pohlman (Shane Mosher) of Peru, and Eric Pohlman of Marion, along with four beautiful grandchildren: Kyle Brown of Marion, Emily Pohlman-Tracy, Olivia Pohlman, and Isaiah Pohlman of Peru.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Mabel Pohlman; his sisters, Margie Kixmiller (Jack) and Jessie Hoy (Jean); his niece, Jackie Ewing (Bill); his nephew, Eddie Blanton (Jenny); his great-nephew, David Blanton; and his granddaughter Olivia Pohlman’s father, Jeff Palmer.
A celebration of life will be held at Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home on November 1st from 4-6 PM, followed by a service at 6 PM, officiated by Pastor Mike Williams.
Special thanks to Stillwater Hospice for their patience, compassion, and professionalism, and a heartfelt thank you to Sara and Eric Pohlman for being Larry’s dedicated caregivers over the past five years.
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