Poehnelt,

from p. 1

her whole teaching career. She also coached volleyball, basketball and cheerleading. She received the Crystal Apple Award for excellence in teaching from the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007.

Besides her involvement at school, Poehnelt has been involved in several community organizations. She was part of the Loyal Jaycees for at least 15 years, served as a Junior Girl Scout leader for three years and was on the food pantry board for about six years.

She has been a member of the St. Anthony’s Parish Council of Catholic Women for about 40 years and helped serve lunches after funerals. She also serves on the St. Anthony’s Fall Festival Committee, which plans for the annual event. She’s been a member of the Loyal Snow Angels snowmobile club for more than 30 years and served as vice president.

Poehnelt has been part of the Loyal American Legion Auxiliary for at least 35 years, and is a past president of that organization. She also serves as treasurer for the Clark County American Legion Auxiliary. In addition, she has volunteered for Wisconsin Farm Technology Days, rang bells for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign and regularly donates blood with the American Red Cross.

Her community involvement extends to the business community. She and her late husband, Duane, purchased Loyal Oil Company from Duane’s parents in 1987 and sold the business to their daughter and son-in-law, Kaila and Kyle Fitzl, in 2016 after 29 years of ownership. Poehnelt currently owns A+ Storage on Beaver Street in Loyal, which she began in 2003, as well as the building directly south of Mike’s Tire Service on Main Street, which she rents out as an apartment and business office.

Poehnelt was recognized for her contributions to the community with a plaque, bouquet and round of applause during the annual Loyal Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet at the American Legion last Thursday. About 15 family members and friends were waiting behind a closed door to surprise her and offer congratulations.

“Along with her many accomplishments and everything she’s done for the city of Loyal, one word that best describes her is friend. If you need any help, she is the first one to step up to the plate, or (you) just need someone to lean on and listen, she is always willing to be there for you,” said Shannon Toufar, who presented Poehnelt with the award.

Poehnelt was honored to receive the Citizen of the Year award. When asked what inspired her community service, she responded humbly, saying it was just the right thing to do.

“I like helping out my community,” she said. “To me, it’s part of your moral compass, to want to help other people.”

Poehnelt’s service will continue through a new avenue this spring, as she agreed to serve on the Loyal Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was voted in at the annual banquet.

Also at the banquet, Poehnelt received a plaque for A+ Storage, for 20 years of a family-owned business.