Andrew Jason Pohle

Andrew Jason Pohle, 61, of Jefferson, Wisconsin passed away early Saturday morning on June 15, 2024, after suffering a sudden cardiac event the previous evening.

Andy was born on December 31, 1962, in Madison, Wisconsin to Robert and Kathryn (Albers) Pohle, where he grew up with his brothers Chris, Tim and Tony. He graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in 1981. Andy was the last baby born in Madison in 1962.

Andy was an avid sports fan his entire life. From his early childhood, despite multiple surgeries to reconstruct his lower right leg, Andy enthusiastically sought out every opportunity to participate in sports, including swimming, track, tennis, and basketball. In high school, driven by his intense desire to play, he tried out for the football and basketball teams but did not make the teams, instead becoming manager of the football team, something he knew was essentially ceremonial. He decided to write a letter to the editor of the school newspaper, The Sword and Shield, entitled “I Want to Play.” The wrestling coach at JMM read the article and, much to his credit, invited Andy to join the team. Andy was very strong and fought hard every match but usually got pinned. He didn’t like being pinned but loved being part of the team and was extremely proud to earn a Varsity wresting letter as a Senior.

Andy followed Wisconsin sports teams passionately and was always ready with the latest facts and statistics about the Badgers, Packers, Bucks and Brewers. Always given to a straightforward assessment, Andy let it be known he liked talking sports with his nieces and nephews better than he did with his brothers. He participated in the Special Olympics throughout his life and, in younger days, always looked forward to the St. Coletta fun run in the fall.

Andy also loved books and word puzzles. Andy’s mother often told the story of being bewildered as to why Andy was crying as a baby, until handing him a book which would comfort him. He loved a good mystery, and especially enjoyed Steven King novels. He was never without his book of crosswords and word searches which he completed diligently.

After high school. Andy enrolled in the resident worker program at St. Coletta in Jefferson, Wisconsin, where he lived and worked his entire adult life, spending every August and the holiday seasons with his family in Connecticut and Maryland. He especially cherished memories of a vacation to Hawaii for his 40th birthday, travelling the Northeast and hearty German meals with his family at the Student Prince in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Andy was proud to be a resident of St. Coletta and was a beloved member of its community. His caregivers recalled Andy’s “glowing personality, big smile, and unique ability to lift everyone’s spirits. Andy brought people together and he was also a leader, a friend, an athlete, and loved his music. He did a wonderful job as Brand Ambassador for St. Coletta during 2022/2023 and on the Consumer Leadership Council, where he used his abilities to speak up for those who could not speak for themselves. He had a special relationship with the staff at St. Coletta and his many friends. Andy was loved by so many people and will be dearly missed by all.”

Andy thrived and lived an abundant life, overcoming many challenges with a positive attitude and loving demeanor that brought joy to those around him. Andy’s life is a testament to what is possible and leaves an inspirational legacy.

Andy’s family would like to thank the many people who supported Andy with love and grace during his life, including the staff at St. Coletta, teachers, coaches, doctors, and his many friends.

He is survived by his mother Kathryn Pohle, Stafford Springs, Connecticut; brothers Christopher (Elizabeth) Pohle, New Canaan, Connecticut, Timothy (Madelyn Glist) Pohle, Bethesda, Maryland, and Tony Pohle, Stafford Springs, Connecticut; nieces and nephews Eliza, Andrew, Henry, Josie, Jake, and Louis. He was predeceased in death by his father in August 2021.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the Little Flower Chapel at St. Coletta in Jefferson, Wisconsin on Monday, August 12, 2024.

Donations in Andy’s memory can be made to St. Coletta of Wisconsin, N4637 County Road Y, Jefferson, Wisconsin 53549, Attention: Dona Campos.