Leander “Lee” Pohlman

Leander M. “Lee” Pohlman, 74, of La Crosse, WI passed away Sunday May 3, 2020 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. A memorial service with military honors is being planned for a later date and will be announced in a future obituary notice. Burial will be in the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Eitzen, MN.

Lee was born October 17, 1945 in La Crosse to Versell and Clara (Schroeder) Pohlman. He attended schools in New Albin and graduated from Kee High School in Lansing in 1963. Lee is a veteran having served in the United States Navy. He was an active member of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse, always volunteering for the Friday fish frys. He also was a proud member of the 40 and 8.

June 12, 1971, Lee married Linda Olson at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eitzen, MN, and they later divorced. In 1988, he married Bonnie Larson in La Crosse and she preceded him in death the following year, 1989.

Lee was employed as an over-the-road truck driver and his handle was “Lion Man”. He loved to read, especially westerns, and was often reading many books at the same time. He also loved fishing. Lee also enjoyed his time spent volunteering at the Kane Street Community Garden. Most of all, Lee loved his family and friends fiercely. He was caring and compassionate and would always sacrifice his needs for the needs of others.

Survivors include his daughter, Loretta (Mike) Ziegler of Rockland, WI; Beth Zibrowski and Buddy Strickland, both of whom were like second children to Lee; his former wife and her husband, Linda and Mike Wristen of La Crosse; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Leon.

Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, La Crosse is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at the funeral home website, www.jandtfredrickson.com.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Lee’s friends and cousin, Todd, Jim, Tom and Laughn for always being there for Lee.