On Sunday, August 1st just after 6pm Pogo passed away peacefully in his room at St. Luke's Hospital. He never made it to Zilber Family Hospice.
When Pogo's wife Sue and daughter Lisa arrived to visit him on Sunday, he was no longer able to speak and his eyes would not focus on their faces. It was then that they knew he was starting his journey away from the body that had become a prison for him over the past year. He was being attended to by a wonderful nurse named Nicole who very honestly and gently confirmed to us that his time was coming to an end.
Pogo's hospital room was a fairly large size as far as hospital rooms go, but it got very cramped very fast as family poured in to support him in his final moments. Wife Sue, daughters Jessie & Lisa and their husbands Cory & Jack, son Brad, mom Betty, brother Dave, brother and sister-in-law Scott & Lynn, sister-in-law Sharon, and brother-in-law Steve were all in and out of the room all afternoon and into early evening. His sister Linda got to speak to him on the phone as did sister Carol who also flew in to be with him and the family (she unfortunately arrived in the room about 10 min after he had passed). The day was spent alternately crying and laughing as everyone shared stories about Pogo and the fun memories he had given them. Even though Pogo could not join in, we know he could hear us and feel the love in the room because a tear would appear in his eye every now and then.
Pogo had expressed to his wife a day or so earlier that he was ready to die. He was never scared to die, but was sad to cause pain to his family who miss him dearly already. He was and will be an inspiration for his bravery and positive attitude.
Pogo's funeral will be held on Saturday August 7th.
Visitation 3pm-6:45pm with a celebration of his life at 7pm.
Church and Chapel
15250 W. National Ave.
New Berlin, WI
Pogo's family would like to thank his doctors and nurses at St. Lukes and Hope4Cancer. They all did such a wonderful job helping Pogo fight over the last year and a half.
They would also like to thank all of the family and friends who have supported him with their help, their visits, their meals and baked goods, and prayers.
Thanks as well to those of you who have happened across this blog accidentally and followed Pogo's story with us too.
Best wishes,
Sue, Jessie, Lisa, Brad, Jack & Cory
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Hi, Sue and family. Just wanted you to know how bad Pat and I feel about Pogo's passing. It was gods will that we had quality time with him on July 3, with all his ole Oakwood Lane neighbors and friends. I was fortunate to have my camera along that day and take some pictures of some good time together. Sue, I did email you the pictures yesterday on Pogos email address. God Bless. Dick & Pat Kadlec
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue & family, Have been checking the blog and can't tell you how bad I feel about Pogo's death. He was a great dentist, husband & father & grandfather! It's been a rough year for all of you and even though you knew it would come to this, it's very hard when it happens.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, Tom, had been diagnosed in January with lung cancer and was doing well, but suddenly died on March 25th so we weren't prepared.
Stay strong. Guess we have to remember the happy times, that's what everyone tells me.
Carole Wilde
Our thoughts and prayers are with you...
ReplyDeleteThe Pawlak family
Pogo's last year can be an inspiration to us all. I will always remember his humor, his courage, and his positive outlook. He will be fondly remembered. May you find strength in your memories of him and what a terrific person he was! God bless you! Kathy & Fred Ritzman
ReplyDeleteThank you Dr. P. for 30 years of professional dental care, and for sharing your inspirational journey with us. We miss you. "To Him be Glory Forever and ever". Fritz & Bev Roth
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