Rita Mae (Hohlbein) Pohlman

DELPHOS -- Rita Mae Pohlman, 89, entered into eternal peace on Sunday, August 26, 2018.

Rita Mae was born on May 9, 1929, a daughter of the late Frank (1983) and Catherine (1991) Hohlbein. She graduated in 1948 as a proud “Big Green” and majorette from Ottoville High School.  She married the late Melvin J. Pohlman (12/16/14) and love of her life in October 1950 and together they raised three children. Rita Mae was a dedicated homemaker, volunteer at St. Rita’s, member of the St. John’s Choir, loving sister to her family, devoted to her husband of 65 years and a spiritual example of her faith in God to her children.  Whether it was praying the rosary together, kneeling with her kids beside the bed praying for “dad on the bulk truck”, going to mass, praying for others on the “prayer chain”, the love for her catholic faith was evident.   Rita Mae was a very kind and gentle soul; she had a loving and generous heart, and was always giving to others.

She leaves her warming memories to be cherished by her  family; Keith (Mary Lou) Pohlman, Tim (Susan) Pohlman, and Mary Kay (Don) Klausing.  She was Grandma to Dustin (Jolanda) Pohlman, Heather (Ryan) Clark, Julia Pohlman, Katie (Mike) Sahm, Matt Pohlman, Isaac Klausing, and Lauren (Mike) Chapman. Her most recent proud moment was becoming a great grandma to Allie Joanna Pohlman, daughter of Dustin and Jolanda.  She loved playing UNO with her grandkids and would throw all the cards in the air when she won. She attended all of their sporting events, school activities and baked each and every one of them a lamb shaped cake for their first communion. Her signature dish was french toast which they ate while she cuddled up on the couch with them watching Saturday morning cartoons.

She is survived by her siblings, Dolly Hemker, Mary Lou Gerdeman, Valita Lammers, Dick Hohlbein, Jerry (Angie)  Hohlbein, Don (Janice) Hohlbein.

She was preceded in death by, Bob (Wanda) Hohlbein, Alice (Virg) Meyer, Carl Hemker, Rich Gerdeman, Paul Lammers, Dorothy Hohlbein, Sue Hohlbein, Carl Dean and Carol Jean.

She lived her last years at Van Crest Assisted Living in Delphos surrounded by so much love and lots of BINGO. Even though she would only win “a stinkin’ quarter.” She received hugs from the staff and more bracelets than she could fit on her wrists. They treated her like family and brought light and life into her days there.

Above Rita Mae’s love for her husband and family, she loved God and her Catholic faith. She prayed the rosary every day and didn’t miss a Sunday at mass. At night she would get on her knees and pray alongside Mel.  Together they built a marriage foundation strong in values and generosity and most importantly trusting the Lord in every aspect of their life. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 28, 2018 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township where Rev. Scott Perry will have a Scripture Service at 8:00 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist  Catholic Church in Delphos on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at 10:30 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Rita Mae’s memory can be given to Delphos St. John’s (Teacher’s Endowment Fund, or Technology/Professional Development) Make check’s payable to Delphos St. John’s.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com