Nancy J. (Jenkins) Pohtilla

Pohtilla, Nancy age 91, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2020. Preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and loving husband of 64 years, James (Jim) Pohtilla; her infant daughter; parents, Samuel and Emma (Johnson) Jenkins; brother, Arthur Jenkins, and sister, Ann Myrum. Survived by sons, James Pohtilla (Kris Ericson) and John Pohtilla; daughters, Jane Ista (Steven) and Jill Pohtilla (Joyce Spehar); grandchildren, Andrew Ista, Eric Pohtilla, Thomas Ista and Lora Pohtilla; many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews; many other loving relatives and friends.

Nancy was always an outstanding student. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1946 and was a member of the marching band. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Minnesota in 1950. She became an elementary school teacher just as the Baby Boomers reached school age. Her first class had 48 third graders in it.  

Nancy enjoyed the outdoors, was an avid gardener, and a voracious reader. She especially loved camping with her family and fishing with her husband. Her favorite place to spend time was at her lake cabin in northern MN. She volunteered countless hours at her church, supporting the rummage sale and Thimble Bee ministries in particular.

The family would like to thank the staff and community at Trails of Orono for their genuine and compassionate care of our mother and to the Wayzata Community Church for their unfailing and continued support of Nancy and her family for the last 50 years. In lieu of flowers the family would like to suggest contributions to a hunger ministry of the donor’s choice.

A private family interment planned with a memorial service celebrating Nancy’s life to be held at a later date.

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