Pauline Woehler

Pauline Elizabeth Woehler, age 92 of Arlington, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Bayside Manor in Gaylord.  Funeral Service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at St. Paul’s UCC in Henderson. Rev. Shelby Nowland will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, at the Kolden Funeral Home in Arlington and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday morning.  Lunch will be served in the church fellowship hall followed by interment at Arlington Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Pauline was born on December 11, 1932, in Fulda, Minnesota, Pauline lived a life marked by resilience, creativity, and deep devotion to her family. After graduating from Henderson High School, she pursued further education at the Mankato School of Business. Her early career took her to Washington D.C., where she worked at the Naval Annex for two years—a formative experience that reflected her independence and determination.

In 1953, Pauline married Robert Schultz. Together they had two children, Denny and Jan. Tragically, Robert passed away in 1957, a loss that deeply affected Pauline. Despite this hardship, she continued forward with strength and grace. In 1962, she found love again and married Louie Woehler. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Sue and Nancy. Pauline and Louie raised their four children on “The Farm,” a place filled with love and laughter until their move to Arlington in 1985.

Pauline’s life was centered around her family. She was a devoted mother and caregiver whose home became a cherished gathering place for generations. Her legacy continues through her children: Denny (Kristin), Jan (John), Sue (Ash), and Nancy (Jim); her grandchildren: Kelsey, Michael, Eric, Jenna, Jamie, Dylan, Arjun, Veda, Pete, Drew, and Eleanor. She was blessed with 9 great grandchildren, Carter, Bennett, Milo, Natalie, Clark, Henry, Baby Schultz, Annie and Louie. Pauline’s sister Marcia and husband Glen along with their children Greg, Jay and Scott were very much a part of her family. Many memories were made on the farm be it in the hay barn, swim pond or basketball court. Through the years the families came together to share and celebrate.

Pauline was predeceased by her first husband Robert Schultz, her beloved husband Louie Woehler, and her mother Julia McKibben. A gifted seamstress with an artistic soul, Pauline created an array of beautiful items for people of all ages—costumes, home décor pieces, church banners, and more. Her talents extended into ceramics, painting, coloring, and crafting wooden birdhouses. Her creativity brought joy not only to her family but also to the wider community. Pauline’s kitchen was another place where her love shone brightly. She delighted in cooking and baking for family and friends and was known for collecting recipes throughout her life. Her dill pickles were legendary—an enduring favorite among those lucky enough to taste them.

She shared a passion for gardening with Louie; together they cultivated expansive vegetable and flower gardens that they generously shared with others. Their teamwork extended into leisure as well—they enjoyed playing cards with friends (Pauline often winning at the 500 Card Club), fishing trips with grandchildren followed by joyful fish frys at home, and traveling across the United States and abroad to places like Sweden, Mexico, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand, England, Spain, Ireland and on numerous cruises, Alaska being especially memorable. One of the most magical traditions Pauline and Louie created was the Gingerbread House—a festive wonder that brought delight to family members and the local community during Christmas. Her home was always full of warmth and laughter; grandchildren fondly remember asking if “the bar was open” or if they could grab something from the “Snack Shack.” It was no surprise that she earned the affectionate nickname “Shopping Grandma,” a testament to her love of shopping and finding joy in even the smallest treasures.

Her generous spirit touched everyone who knew her. Whether through a lovingly sewn costume or a shared meal from her kitchen, Pauline gave of herself freely and fully. Her light continues to shine in those who carry forward her legacy of kindness and creativity. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her.