Dear Linda, since I saw Keith's obituary in the paper, I have thought of you. I remember good times with you in the Church History Museum. I don't think our shifts in the Salt Lake Temple overlapped, but I do remember your introducing Keith to me once in the lower lobby. I suppose there will not be a lower lobby in that temple once it is remodeled.  I do not know how you grieve, yet I grieve with you in the loss of earthly companionship with your dear husband. My prayers continue with you. Love, Julie Snow

I grew up on Lake Street, not far from the Poelman family.  I am also a close friend with Linda.  We all became friends at Roosevelt Jr. High because I attended Hamilton Elementary .  

The memory I have was when we crossed paths while delivering the Tribune newspaper early one morning.  I tried to to hide so he wouldn't see me.  I was so bashful in those days and he was so popular. I first saw Linda as when she walked into Mrs. Moffits English class to gather attendance. She was such a beautiful girl with long hair.  The rest is history as we all continued on to East High and the U of U.


Continued

And then one morning I receive a call from President Poelman that I did not expect and one that completely shattered my world. “Elder Craghead I need you to go to Georgetown Delaware and continue your mission there. Pack your things. You leave tomorrow. I was devastated. I was sick. I was overwrought. But I obeyed. And I went. And I arrived in one the smallest rural town I had ever seen.  There did not seem to be people anywhere. Except for the small city proper the few homes that existed were a half a mile apart. I hated it. And I knew it was a mistake to send me there. And I could not wait for the formal scheduled chat I would have with President Poelman in a couple of weeks.

I remember breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably and saying I think you made a mistake sending me here. I am not supposed to be here! This is not right. I’ll never forget the compassion in his eyes and the love that emanated from him as he looked at me and said, Elder Craghead I know this must be very difficult, but I remember specifically feeling very strongly that your Heavenly Father needed you to be here at this time, and in this place. And you need to discover why. He then placed his hand on my head and gave me a blessing where it was reiterated that God wanted me where I was. I felt so much love.  Love from President Poelman, and also love from my Father in Heaven. And I then felt peace. And I knew I could go forward. And forward I did, and shortly there after discovered and had experiences that would forever change my life and myself and solidify who I am now. Because I actually found the person I was supposed to find right there in Georgetown Delaware.  Right where God and President Poelman sent me.  The person was me.  

God Speed my dear friend.  Thank you for your life.  Thank you for your love.   Thank you for your impact.


I grew up in Utah, but I often say my life began in Philadelphia because it was there and in the surrounding areas that I came in to myself, discovered who I truly was, and began to live life fully for the first time. Keith Poelman was a significant factor in that growth and realization. He and his wonderful wife Linda were the leaders of an eclectic and disparate group of 150 usually 19 to 23 year old kids becoming adults through their love, tutelage and example. We were all missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And they were our mission presidents. And the impact they made on me particularly can never be measured. They were to the ones who introduced the motto that I would ingrain in the depths of my soul and I still try to live by: “If you are not having fun, you are not doing it right.” 

Keith was a second father figure for me. On who always saw my potential and encouraged me to strive for it.  When ever we would chat which he often did with all of us, I felt his genuine love and concern for me. I could see it in his eyes, hear it is his words, and feel it in my heart.  

I remember one of these chats specifically because it was at one of the most excruciating points of my young life. For four months I have been living in the heart of Philadelphia near the Museum of Art. I felt I belonged there. I felt I should be there. I was ecstatic every morning I awoke to get up and get out amongst the people of that great city and experience the multitude of adventures we had each day. I also felt strongly that God wanted me there too and that I needed to find, teach, and change the life of someone specific that was there in that city with me. 


Dear Linda and family,  I worked with Keith at Surety Life.  He was a great friend and mentor to me.  He was always positive and encouraging.  Vorelle and I remember having dinner at your home with other officers of Surety and you served sweet potato pie.  We have included it in our recipe book and titled it Linda Poelman Sweet Potato Pie.  May God bless and sustain you through this difficult time.  You will be in our prayers.  Love Stephen and Vorelle

One of the best men I ever knew. President Poelman was my mission president in Philadelphia. From the first moment I met him, I felt such genuine love from him. He was wise, kind, fun, intelligent, full of love, enthusiasm, and faith! I will always treasure my memories of working closely with him. He taught me so much, and his trust in me blessed my life greatly. Love. you, President!

When I returned from my mission in October 1989 President Poelman asked me to serve as Sunday School President of the Valley View singles branch, which met at the Olympus High School Seminary.  I believe he was serving as the Branch President at the time.  It was a pleasure to serve with him and to get to know him better.  He had always been "Doug's dad" to me, through two different neighborhoods I lived in at two different times in my youth.  

Doug, you are fortunate to have him in your life, in your memory, and in your eternity.  More of us should be so fortunate to have a man so exemplary as a father.  He was a superb leader, a kind and generous man, successful in his career, and generous with his talents.  Hugs from Austin, Texas!


I've cherished my friendship with Keith and Linda since East High, then the University of Utah and PKA and since in various relatationships, including reunions, Friends for Sight and several years together in the Salt Lake Temple.  Keith lived a full and successful life, with and I will dearly miss him.  One of our community's and the Church's great leaders and servants.
My condolences and very best wishes to Linda and the family.

With great and heartfelt affection!



Sister Poelman

This Is Robert Broulim from Rigby, Idaho   
I was one of your missionaries.  I love you and your wonderful husband.  I remember you 
Both called me when my twin brother was killed in  a car wreck.  You both left such a good impression on me when I was very young and Trying to find myself.   Sister Poelman  I love you 
And President Poelman.   My phone number is
2083907886
Merry Christmas. 
Robert Broulim. 

Nineteen years ago while out of the country, I received a communication from Keith regarding an opening for a full-time faculty member at LDS Business College.  He encouraged me to apply.  That began a wonderful daily relationship with Keith that lasted over the next decade.  I owe much to this good man, his kindness, cheerful nature, and integrity.  In many ways he changed the course of my life and certainly my career.  I am eternally grateful to him.  He will be missed. 

Sister Poelman and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of President Poelman.  I had the pleasure of serving with the Poelman's in the Philadelphia Pennsylvania mission.  I am eternally grateful for President Poelman and Sister Poelman for the wonderful example of love, strength and gospel steadfastness they taught me.  In many interviews with President Poelman he exemplified leadership and love that I have attempted to emulate throughout my adult years.  He was a model mission president and taught me how a Priesthood holder leads in love.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family.  Love - Elder Jeff Bursell  

Linda, words fail me in trying to express to you my heartfelt feelings at this tender time of Keith's passing.  We had many cherished times working together, not only at work, but in the temple.  Keith was a giant among us.  He was blessed with many talents which he used to bless the lives of others.  He was certainly all that was stated in the obituary, but much, much more.   His love for you and your children was boundless.  His  cheerfulness was contagious, his testimony deep, and his friendship cherished.  During this tender time, Margo and I pray that the Lord will sustain you.  We cannot imagine how difficult it is not to have him by your side as you have had since the days in junior high school when everyone knew how much he loved you.  May the rich blessings of the Lord be yours now, and always. Much love to you,  Garfield and Margo Cook  

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Keith A. Poelman

24 janvier 1941 – 22 décembre 2020

Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

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