Jerry E. Pohlman, age 68, of Helena, MT died Saturday September 4, 2010. He was born on January 7th 1942 in Sibley, IA to Edgar and Grace Pohlman. He will be deeply missed by friends and family.
Jerry grew up in Melvin, IA and graduated from Melvin High School in 1960. He earned his BA in 1964 and MA in 1966 from the University of Iowa. The following September he taught at St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY. Jerry married Kate Greer in Iowa City, IA in 1967. Together they moved to Cortland, NY where Jerry entered Cornell University and earned his PhD in 1970. From this marriage Jerry and Kate were blessed with four beautiful children Molly, Michael, Matthew and Andrew. In 1969 Jerry moved to Buffalo, NY and taught at State University of New York. In 1972 Jerry completed his first book on wage and price controls and began consulting with the Price Commission in Washington DC. That same year he moved his family to the D.C. area where he continued to work with the Price Commission and Cost of Living Council. In 1973 Jerry began working for Arthur Young and Co in New York City. In 1976 Jerry moved his young family to California where he took a position with California Federal Savings as Chief Economist. During the next 10 years Jerry held senior executive positions at a number of banks in California. In 1985 he accepted the position of President and Chief Operating Officer of Pacific First Bank in Seattle WA and in 1987 he was promoted to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he held until he led the successful sale of the bank to Royal Trust of Toronto, Ontario. Following that sale Jerry focused his academic and business interests on economic analysis and investment management.
In 2005 Jerry married his current wife Betty Curry in Coeur d`Alene, ID. Jerry and Betty made their first home together in Helena, MT Attempting retirement, with not much luck, Jerry remarked “I began my career teaching and it would be a good way to end it”. In 2007 he began his association with Carroll College as an adjunct professor and in 2008 until the time of his death taught Economics and was Chairman of the Business, Accounting and Economics Department at Carroll College.
Jerry was an advocate of health and fitness and completed his first marathon at the age of 65. He also loved the mountains, downhill skiing with his kids, horseback riding, reading, travel and was a photographer since an early age.
Jerry loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Betty, mother Grace Pohlman of Milford, IA, daughter Molly LaBelle of Seattle, WA, Mike (Julia) Pohlman of Bellingham, WA, Matt (Jodi) Pohlman of London, UK, and Andy Pohlman of Bellingham, WA, sister Patricia (Irvin) Schnell of Milford, IA. Jerry delighted in his grandchildren Sam, Anna, John, Lauren, Emily, and Michael.
Services will be held Saturday September 11, 2010, 1:30 p.m. at the Helena First Assembly of God Church located at 2210 Dodge Ave. Helena Mt. Lunch will be served following the service. Memorials may be sent to Dr.
Jerry E. Pohlman Memorial Fund at Carroll College, 1601 North Benton, Helena Mt 59625. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Judy & Mike Greer says
The day after my sister Kate’s funeral we had a great conversation with Jerry covering a wide range of topics. He was so proud of Molly, Mike, Matt, and Andrew and his grandchildren. I thanked Jerry for raising the children so well and informed him how much I respected him for everything he accomplished professionally and also the many things he did for the children highlighted by making sure they all had a college degree.
Jerry dedicated his book “Inflation Under Control” to our mother, Mary Greer. She was so pleased that Jerry thought so much of her.
Jerry liked to have fun and entertain us with his singing and guitar playing. When we were all younger, I used to encourage him to sing professionally and let me be his agent.
Jerry will be missed but not forgotten by the Greer Family.
Judy & Mike Greer
H.D. (Buck) Brown says
It is with great sadness and shock that I received the news of the accident, which has taken Jerry. Even though I only knew him through the Carroll Business Advisory Council, I enjoyed our conversations and his committment to Carroll.
His quiet competence, leadership skills, vision, and ability to synthesize complex economic issues into easily understandable layman’s terms were all impressive and will be sorely missed. My wife and I send our condolences and sympathy to his family and indeed to all the Carroll family on his loss.
God Bless.
Buck Brown
Marli Narváez Taylor says
I will never forget your kindness and thoughtfulness Dr. Pohlman. It was an honor to meet you. I cried so much for you and your family when I read about your accident; until I realized that people like you never die. You keep living in our hearts and memory. Thank you for always been there for me, and for making this world a better place. It saddens me that Tuesday at 11 a.m. never came for us, but I am happy for all the other moments that did. Hope your family find peace in the memories of your love for them.
I will miss you my dear friend. Marli.
Jerry Berberet says
Jerry Pohlman was a wonderful person, a delightful friend, and a tremendous asset to Carroll College. I was instrumental in Jerry’s decision to join the Carroll faculty and to serve as department chair when I was academic vice president. He brought a rich professional background and had a vision for what the department would become in the future. I offer my deepest condolences to Betty and to members of Jerry’s family.
Jeff and Darcy Schultz says
We send our sympathies and our prayers for you. We are so very sorry for your loss, and our hearts are saddened and heavy. May the Lord be with you, and help carry your burden. Jerry is with the Lord, and is at peace now. He is smiling on all of you, and he loved each one of you so much as a loving son, husband, father, and grandfather. We pray for peace for you.
Candace Cain says
Dear Betty and family. I work at Carroll (Ex. Dir. for Development and Alumni) and had the privilege of meeting Jerry on several occasions. While our paths didn’t cross often, I was very impressed with his commitment and dedication to Carroll and to our students. He had been doing wonders for the Business Department and I am grateful that he was willing to accept such an important role at the College and he was making great progress on the goal to strengthen the department.
Know that I extend my sincere sympathy to each of you. May the memories you hold in your hearts bring you comfort during this difficult time. Trust that Jerry is now at peace with a loving God.
Candie Cain
Dan Minor says
I had the opportunity to not only work with Jerry at Carroll College, but also get to know him on a personal level. I appreciated his love for Betty and his children. His eyes lit up when sharing stories of travel with Betty and his deep affection for her. I will remember Jerry for his work and his love of life.
Denise Roberts says
I had the privilege & pleasure of working with Jerry as an economic expert. He was the genuine article – a very caring person – always smiling and asking after the welfare of others. I extend my sincere condolences to his family. You were blessed to have such a wonderful person in your lives.
Jack Haffey says
I met Jerry through Carroll’s Business Advisory Council. From the first visit I had with him I could tell that his passion for helping people have a full, fun and productive life through their business education was real and deep. I also could see that Jerry was both a very gifted, accomplished person and a real person, a truly good person. I send condolences to his family.
Terry Myhre says
I met Jerry through Carroll’s Business Advisory Council and was impressed with his vision and desire to enhance the Business program at the school. Jerry was Carroll’s representative on the MBAC Economic Development Board of Directors and his involvement was greatly appreciated. Jerry made a difference in Helena Montana and his contributions during his short tenure here will be remembered.
Maureen O'Donnell says
I would like to get in touch with any of the Greer family or with Molly Pohlman.
We knew Kate and Jerry in Buffalo, and stayed in touch until Jerry moved to CA.
Kate and I spoke several times when she moved back to Iowa. And we were entertained many a night by Jerry’s guitar and song, as well.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Maureen