Peter B. Pohl
October 3, 1918 ~ July 29, 2013
Peter Bettenberg Pohl, age 94 of Forest Lake passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 29, 2013. Peter is a WWII veteran who served in the Signal Corp. of the 96th Infantry Division, 1944-1946. He worked as an electrician at 3M for 34 years. Pete is a member of the VFW, DAV (Disabled American Veterans) and the American Legion. He also received the WCCO Good Neighbor Award. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Ann; son, Frederick (Maria) Bettenberg-Pohl; daughter, Karen (Paul) Luxem; four grandchildren, Paul (Becca) Luxem, Peter Bettenberg-Pohl, Elizabeth (Brad) LaNasa, and Michael (Jenelle) Luxem; five great grandchildren, Carson, Geneva, Brianna, Franka, and Jackson; and brother, Ray Hephner. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 3-7 PM on Friday, August 2, 2013 at the Forest Lake VFW Post 4210, 556 - 12th Street, Forest Lake, with a service beginning at 4:30 PM and lunch to follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Forest Lake VFW Post 4210.
Ann, I’m so sorry. I have such fond memories of you and Pete in Remer. I have thought of you both frequently.
I visited Pete at Golden Living. I hadn’t signed his calendar because he was in the hall when I came in. Pete remembered that I’d been there & told his daughter, Karen, that I had come to chat and that I was “very cute.”
I’m 73 years old & he’s the ONLY person who ever called me “cute.” I’ll always treasure that visit & memory of him.
We are friends of Karen and Paul and we have had the pleasure of being with Pete many times. We remember most his sense of humor. He always had a wise saying and a twinkle in his eye as he said it. You will be in our hearts always.
Pete & Ann lived across the street from my family for more than 30 years. I have so many precious memories of my “adopted Grandpa!” One of my favorites took place on Christmas Eve in 1976. Pete put luminary bags along the road between his driveway and our families’ driveway to celebrate Christmas and to “light the way” for me, as I was born Christmas morning of that year! He always loved to share that story with everyone and was so proud to say that he lit the way for his “little Miss Muffy!” Which brings me to my next memory – he gave me my life-long nickname, “Muffy.” I don’t think he ever called me by my given name, it was always Muffy! I’ll never forget going for “Happy Hour” at their house. Pete always enjoyed having a beer and snacks with my parents. And when he came over to our house he always greeted us with “heidi-ho neighbor!”
I admire him so much, he was such a loving husband that was so pride of his bride of 75 years, a caring father, proud grandpa, a loyal veteran who fought for our country, the BEST neighbor anyone could ask for, but most of all a thoughtful and true friend to so many of us! You will be missed by many Pete!
Love Always, Muffy
We were fortunate to live across the road from Pete for more than 30 years and in all those years Pete was a great friend…always willing to help, plow snow, feed our dog when we were gone and be a stand in Grandpa to our kids, Joe and Tanya. W enjoyed many “Happy hours” with both Pete and Ann and a game of marbles now and than. He will be surely missed. With love and our sympathy to all. Harley & Lori
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Pete’s military service to our nation. I was fortunate to have visited him July 24th.