Peter Pohlman

Poynette/Waunakee
Peter Michael Pohlman, age 58, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016.

Pete was born in Madison on February 19, 1958 to Everett and Dorothy Pohlman. The family moved to Waunakee when Pete was in 5th grade. Being the youngest child and the only boy set the stage for a life of escapades and adventures. Most on or under water. He knew from early on that a 9 to 5 job was not for him.

Pete's first adventure was to become a PADI dive instructor in Florida at age 18. He came back to Madison to teach diving classes in Madison area lakes. He also participated in some fun dives in several of the Great Lakes. He joined the United States Coast Guard Reserve and spent six months on active duty. Pete left the Coast Guard and returned to the sea as a deep-water welding diver on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. A new opportunity beckoned, working for Norwegian Cruise Lines. First leading diving and snorkeling excursions and ending his career with them as the cruise director. As such he rubbed elbows with many D list celebrities (and a few A listers) and even became part of the entertainment at times. He enjoyed the cruise lifestyle and loved being the center of attention.

Eventually Pete wanted to move closer to home. He put his carpentry skills to good use and built a home near Poynette. Pete helped the von Rutenberg family establish and grow Betty Lou Cruises. Behind the scenes, he was responsible for scheduling and doing maintenance, but his passion was the boats. Many thousands have very fond memories of Captain Pete cruising Lake Mendota and Monona. In his off season, he drove school bus for the Waunakee and Sauk School Districts. Many years were spent transporting the Waunakee Hockey team to practices and games. No word yet, if the bus kids have fond memories of Pete. He dressed up as Santa for several events over the years to bring joy to many.
Pete was a major Parrot head, attending many of Jimmy's concerts, even getting backstage at times. He was a great story teller with many tales to tell. He enjoyed having a good time. He always had a smile and could make us all laugh. No matter the circumstance he could always find humor in the situation.

Pete is survived by his parents, Pete and D ottie Pohlman; and his sisters Linda (Tom) Morrison and Diane Ziolkowski. His nieces: Mandi (Jeremy) Buehl and Cassie Morrison and nephews: Derek (Channing) Alden, Neil Ziolkowski, Grant Ziolkowski (Claire) DeBoer, and, Reid Ziolkowski.
He is further survived by great-nephews and nieces: Thomas and Margaret Buehl, and Will and Louisa Alden. Pete made fast friends wherever he went with his closest co-conspirators being, Tracy Stamm, Steve Hunter, and John Nolan. That group of four had such fun and always looked out for each other. They were truly his brothers. Pete died doing what he loved best, cruising the Caribbean. "Sail on, Captain Pete, Sail on".

The family would like to thank the Carnival Cruise Lines and Broward Health Medical Center for their care and support during Pete's final days. We would also like to thank his best friends: Steve Hunter (Sue Brolhahn), Tracy (Chris) Stamm and John (Patty) Nolan for all their help and continuing support.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace in Sun Prairie on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Save the Manatee Club, 500 N. Maitland Ave., Maitland, FL 3275

Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
608-837-9054