Eloise O'Rourke Pohlad

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Pohlad Eloise O'Rourke Pohlad, a woman known for her love and dedication to family, quiet generosity and grace, passed away November 20, with her husband, sons and other family members at her side. The heart of the Pohlad family, Eloise was deeply loved by her husband of 56 years, Carl; and her three sons, Jim, Bob and Bill, who saw her as the perfect wife and mother. She was born in Dubuque, Iowa on Jan. 26, 1917, the youngest of 10 children. Her family was well-known and loved in the Dubuque community. Fiercely proud of their Irish heritage and deeply committed to their Catholic faith, the O'Rourkes set an example of family togetherness and love that Eloise fulfilled with her own family. She was educated in Catholic grade and high schools, and attended Mundelein College in Chicago. After college, Eloise returned home to Dubuque and worked as a receptionist, teller and bookkeeper for the American Trust and Savings Bank. She met Carl Pohlad on a blind date at a University of Iowa/University of Minnesota football game. It was love at first sight, and five months later on April 22, 1947, they were married in a quiet ceremony at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Key West, Iowa, now a suburb of Dubuque. Always putting her husband and sons first, Eloise made time to be involved in the Boys and Girls Club, WAMSO, the Carondelet HealthCare Foundation, the Twin Cities Opera Guild, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation, where she actively supported their programs for children, families and individuals in need. Eloise was gracious to all she met. Her interests throughout life were the simple pleasures: enjoying ice cream, doing the laundry and ironing, spending time with her sons and their families, and attending the Minnesota Twins baseball games. She grew to love baseball after her husband bought the Minnesota Twins, becoming one of the team's biggest fans. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Carl; by her sons, Jim, Bob and Bill; her daughters-in-law, Mary, Becky and Michelle; her grandchildren, Tom, Joe, Chris, Alexandra, Charles and Katherine. Memorials preferred to Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation, or Alzheimer's Association Minnesota/Dakota Chapter. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, 1 PM at The Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5051 Eden Ave., Edina, with burial to follow at Lakewood Cemetery. Visitation will be held Sunday, 3-7 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, W. 50th St. & Hwy 100 952-920-3996

Published on November 22, 2003