Peter V. Poell

Peter V. Poell, “Pete”, 67 of Elkhart, died Saturday, March 19, 2011 in his home after a 12 year courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma.

Born December 2, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, to the late Vernon and Irene Poell. He is survived by his wife, Mary, who he married on September 4, 1965. They were blessed to have 3 wonderful children. Daughter Adrienne (Matthew) Soucy and their son A.J. of Escanaba, Michigan. Daughter Allison (Jason) Clark and their daughters Riley, Haley and Mackensey of Bethlehem, Georgia. And son Anthony (Michele) and their daughter Shelby and son Asher of Elkhart, Indiana; a sister Carole (Ed) Isaac of Rapids City, Ill.

Pete owned and operated the Downtown Elkhart Dairy Queen since going into business with his Dad in 1967. His son Anthony now runs their Dairy Queen, which has been in business since 1955. He was very active in the Indiana Dairy Queen Operators Association where he served on their Board of Director and then as it’s President for many years.

He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he joyfully sang in the church choir. He was a member of the Gideons International, Kane Lodge #183 and the Elkhart Elks Club. He was especially proud to be a member of the Baugo Lions where he served as President, Secretary and Treasurer for many years and was named Lion of the Year for 1986-1987. He also received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for dedicated humanitarian Services from the Lions Club International Foundation.

On Tuesday, March 15, 2011 he was presented with a 25 year token award from his special friends in Alcoholics Anonymous. His fellow members in A.A. meant a great deal to Pete and he enjoyed their council and wisdom throughout the 25 years he was a member.

Pete loved to take long walks, being outdoors reading his Kindle and watching his 2 dogs run in the backyard. He adored his grandchildren with a passion and photographed hundreds of picture of them playing.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 9th and Marion, Elkhart, at 11:00 am Thursday with a greeting by family members at 10:00 am. A luncheon will follow at the church where everyone is welcome to join the family to celebrate the life of a truly special person. He touched the lives of hundreds of people with his humor and wisdom throughout the years and will be missed greatly, but as his friends and family know, he had a very firm hold of his faith and he is now resting peacefully with his Lord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or the Gideon’s International for the purchase of bibles.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com to sign an online guestbook.