Dan Pohl

Dan Pohl passed away unexpectedly on January 2, 2026, in Palm Desert, CA.

Dan was born in St. Paul on July 29, 1947 to Clarence “Pete” Pohl and Margaret Pohl. He attended St. Bernard’s High School, where he was a standout basketball player. He was also an excellent student, which led him to the University of Minnesota. Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1969 with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Dan was hired by 3M right out of college. He started in development, receiving 12 patents spanning adhesives and tapes, packaging, and commercial graphics. Patents on items like bow magic bows, adhesive printing for pouch tape, tape pads, commercial sheeting raised graphics and water-based golf grip tape (his 15%-time project). Over an extraordinary 35-year career at 3M, his curiosity, discipline, and innovative spirit shaped his work and the teams he led. From those he managed there were numerous stories of his guidance and encouragement which furthered their careers. He left a legacy of creativity and problem-solving that will continue to impact the industry for years to come.

 As a young man, Dan caddied at North Oaks Golf Course; this being the start of his lifelong love for the game of golf. That passion became a defining thread throughout his life. It was his love for the game that led to countless rounds, friendships, and competitive moments in many state and local tournaments, and beyond.

He was most proud of his 4th place finish in the Minnesota amateur tournament. He was also club champion of Keller, Dellwood and Sawmill golf courses amongst many other tournament victories. 

Dan’s love of the game grew into a legacy he built through vision and hard work. He created and developed both Sawmill Golf Course and later Loggers Trail Golf Course. These were not just courses, but gathering places where communities formed, traditions took root, and people felt welcome. For so many, Dan was part of what made golf feel like home. The creation and ongoing improvements of these courses were his lifelong passion. His love of golf was contagious, passing it on to his brothers, sisters, children and grandchildren (and anyone he came across).

Dan and his wife Theresa and their daughter Bailey lived in Stillwater where they enjoyed their time together working on projects (whether at home or on the golf course), enjoying dinners out, going to listen to live music, watching the wild life around home, going on pontoon boat rides, enjoying the outdoors, (tolerating the dog) and just enjoying each other's company and their everyday life. He was the family chef, chauffeur and chief chocolate chip cookie eater.

He was also a proud father and grandfather and is lovingly remembered by his family: his children, Angie Pohl (Justin and Sydney Wright), Shannon Bryant (husband Howard; children Howie Jr., Clark, Peter, and Patrick), Jeff Pohl (Dylan, Aubrey, and Hannah).

He was actively involved in all of his kids’ lives from coaching basketball teams, to watching soccer games and gymnastics meets. The care he had for each of his kids with really listening to and knowing them was reflected in his support and guidance in their life's ambitions and goals.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Margaret, and his sister-in-law, Leanne Pohl. He is also survived by his siblings, Michael Pohl, Joseph Pohl (Joanne), Mary Peltier, and Virginia Krey (Gerald), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Dan’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and community spirit will live on in all who knew him. He leaves a big hole in his family's lives and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday January 28th at The Lowell Inn, 102 North 2nd Street, Stillwater MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, January 29th at the Church of St. Michael, 611 South 3rd Street, Stillwater MN with a visitation on hour prior to the Mass. Private Interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Bayport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics and Valley Outreach.