Remembering Father Ed Poehlmann

(Denver Catholic file photo)

Father Edward Poehlmann, a longtime and beloved priest of the Archdiocese of Denver, entered into eternal life at his home in Arvada on June 2 at the age of 84.

Born on July 4, 1941, in Omaha, Nebraska, Father Poehlmann moved to Denver following World War II. He grew up attending Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Denver, where he said the seeds of his priestly vocation were planted. Known fondly as “Eddie,” he would faithfully walk his younger sister, Eileen, to school each day. After graduating from Mullen High School in Denver in 1959, he attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and was ordained to the priesthood in 1967.

Throughout his nearly 60 years as a priest, he faithfully served God’s people across northern Colorado. Father Poehlmann’s priestly ministry included extended assignments at St. Mary Parish in Breckenridge, St. Clare of Assisi Parish in Edwards, Presentation of Our Lady Parish in Denver and St. Patrick Parish in Minturn. He also served at St. Therese Parish in Aurora, Holy Family High School in Broomfield and Bishop Machebeuf High School in Denver. Throughout his service to these communities, he taught the faith, built up the community (literally — he headed three building projects in Summit County!) and preached the Gospel.

In his free time, he enjoyed skiing, playing the piano and spending countless hours with his sisters, Eileen and Kathleen Ann, as well as innumerable friends at Bravo! Vail, as he listened to his beloved classical music. He would also faithfully host an annual Fourth of July party at his family home overlooking Twin Lakes.

Reflecting on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood in 2017, he couldn’t help but be grateful for the gifts God has given.

“I’m grateful for a number of things: good health, wonderful parishioners … and opportunities to serve in all these other capacities,” he told the Denver Catholic.

When asked to share a piece of advice for younger priests, Father Poehlmann recommended “smelling like the sheep,” in the words of Pope Francis; in other words, drawing near to the people they serve.

“They have to set up a lot of meaningful relationships in parishes,” Father Poehlmann said. “People demand that today. You really have to be yourself.”

In December 2025, Father Poehlmann was among several honored with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, given by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila on behalf of the Holy Father for his distinguished service to the Church and the pope, a pleasant surprise for him and his family.

He is predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Kathryn, and is survived by his sisters, Eileen and Kathleen Ann.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Denver Archbishop James Golka at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Denver on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will take place the evening before, Tuesday, June 23, at Presentation of Our Lord Parish in Denver at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Arrangements for Father Edward Poehlmann

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Vigil and Visitation

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Presentation of Our Lord Parish

665 Irving Street

Denver, CO

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Mass of Christian Burial (Funeral Mass)

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION: Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

1530 Logan Street

Denver, CO