Jan "Hans" Pohl

With love and reverence, the Pohl family announces the passing of Jan "Hans" Pohl on March 16, 2026, at the age of 89, in Ukiah, California.

He lived an extraordinary life, while the world changed significantly during his time. He experienced the perils of World War II as a child, and the subsequent economic tribulations, the Russian occupation of East Germany, and the buildup to the construction of the Berlin wall. As the wall was set to divide not only Germany, but Hans from family and friends, he would slip across a fortified, guarded border to the West, in a disabled train car, to continue to be with them, and would soon meet his lovely wife-to-be, Renata, at a local dance in Frankfurt. The pair married and moved to San Francisco, California in the early 1960's, where they steadily built a life together and raised their two children.

He will not only live on through the memories of those that loved him, but by the stunning works he created with his skilled hands, which continue to add beauty to the world. While devoting his life to the mastery of sausage making and butchery, Hans' skills were truly multifaceted. He was an expert furniture and cabinet maker, gifted carver and painter, precision obsessed ammunition reloader, peerless hunter, accomplished marksman, fearless mechanic and fabricator, and an incredibly inventive and adaptable handy man.

The family finds comfort in knowing that Hans’ legacy lives on through the life example he set, the lessons he taught us, the works of art that he created, the love he shared, and all the memories we will cherish. We love you so very much. Hans is survived by his wife, Renata, and his children, Frank and Marian.

A mass will be held at the St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church on March 25th, 2026 at 11:00 am. All are welcome to pay their respects. No viewing will be held per Hans’ wishes.