Londa Lynn Pohlman 1962 - 2008

RUSSELL — Londa Lynn Pohlman, daughter of Charles and Mary Ellen (Hurt) Thomas, was born June 22, 1962, at Great Bend. Her death occurred March 31 at Russell, after several years battling a brain tumor. Her age was 45 years, seven months and nine days.

Londa lived her early life in Great Bend, where she graduated from Great Bend High School with the class of 1980. She attended Barton County Community College through outreach night classes, and was also employed at the GreatBend Packing Plant. On May 25, 1985, she was united in marriage to Harold Lee Pohlman at Russell. To this union were born two children, Brett Adam and Heather Marie.

Prior to her marriage Londa had moved to Russell. Before and after her marriage she was employed by Drake and Crop accounting, Gilpin-Gorton wholesale grocery, Easter’s Welding, Dean’s Auto Repair and the Home State Bank. In November 1993 Harold and Londa purchased the Coast To Coast Store, which they operated jointly until Londa’s health failed and she was unable to be active in the store. She was first diagnosed with her brain tumor in September 1999. After her surgery and subsequent radiation and chemotherapy treatment she went back to work full time. In August of 2006, when symptoms of her tumor began to re-occur, she was unable to continue to work and required closer medical care and later hospitalization in August 2007.

Londa was very active in the activities of her children, was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, a bowling team member, was on a summer softball team for several years as well as on a volleyball team, participated in the Relay For Life, Post Rock Family Service, and very seldom missed one of her children’s sports activities. She was able to go to Florida with Brett with the Junior Olympics, and saw Heather go on her German class trip to Germany. She and Harold were able to make a trip to Germany while her health was still good. One special highlight in her life was when her special companion, a black Lab named J. T., became her daily walking partner and was an important part of her daily routine, even after her health began to fail.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents. Survivors are her husband Harold, and children, Brett and Heather all of Russell; brother Rick Thomas of Great Bend, her in-laws Henry and Marge Pohlman, her special caregiver for the past several months Barb Seib, and numerous other friends who gave of their time during the past months.

Funeral services have been set for 10: 30 a.m. Thursday at St. John Lutheran Church, Russell. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, Russell. The family will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. that evening. Burial will be in the Russell City Cemetery. A memorial has been established with the R.C.A.C.F. Scholarship Fund.