Joyce Z. Pohl

Joyce Z. Pohl, 89, of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, died on January 4, 2026.

Long-term educator at St. Luke School and Church in Chicago.

St. Cloud arrangements:   Visitation – Benson Funeral Home, 4:00 – 7:00pm 1/23/2026; Funeral – Salem Lutheran Church, 10:00am, 1/24/2026.

Chicago arrangements:  Visitation at Lakeview Chapel, 5:00 – 8:00pm 2/6/2026: Memorial Service at St. Luke Church, 1500 W. Belmont, Chicago, 10:00am, 2/7/2026

Mother of Janice Pohl and Jeanette Lukowski.  Loving daughter of Elsie (deceased) and Steve Ziwisky (deceased).  Dear sister of Max (Lea) Ziwisky, Patsy Ziwisky (deceased), and Debra (John) Perala.  Fond grandmother to two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; caring aunt to nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews.

Joyce, an unapologetic storyteller, left this brief paragraph as her desired obituary.  Her lengthier stories, told with the least encouragement, were many – as were the books she read. She grew and supported vibrant bookclubs in St. Cloud and at St. Luke.  We should read books that expand horizons, she encouraged.

Joyce’s proudest teaching accomplishments were in providing extra enrichment.  St. Luke students participated in the National Junior History Fair, winning awards at the Chicago competition, advancing to Illinois and National competitions.  City children needed outdoor experiences:   Joyce led Girl Scouts to take city children camping, and co-taught outdoor education at Walcamp for St. Luke.  Dedication to learning and service marked all the phases of Joyce’s life and legacy.

Memorials may be given to Salem Lutheran Church, 90 Riverside Dr SE, St. Cloud, MN  56304, or to St. Luke Academy, 1500 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657.