The entire Methacton school community is mourning the loss of beloved teacher Franklin (Frank) Poehlmann, who died on September 2 at age 81. The Skippack resident succumbed to the cumulative effects of a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease, writes Jon Campisi for the Lower Providence Patch.

“To the end, Frank’s smile was contagious and won over the hearts of anyone who encountered him,” read his obituary. “He will truly be missed by those left behind. But we are happy he is finally at peace.”

Poehlmann was born in Scranton and later relocated to Philadelphia with his family. He met his wife, Jean, in the Norristown area in 1953 at school. The pair married in 1964.

During his 35 years in education, Poehlmann taught world cultures and U.S. history (as well as other AP subjects) at Methacton High School, Eagleville.

He always challenged his students and was always open to healthy debate and discourse. He was also known for his love of nature and worked to instill that appreciation in the young minds in his charge. “He’d take high school students on all kinds of adventures out west and up into Canada,” wrote his son, Greg.

An online remembrance at TributeArchive.com provided additional detail on his outdoorsmanship: Poehlmann was described as an “…influencer, a pioneer, a guide and a driving force to both his family and the youth he taught over the years. Whether it was swimming, canoeing, fishing, singing, photography, hunting, skiing, or playing Santa Claus to his grandsons, Frank had a priceless passion of giving 100 percent.”

Read more about Frank Poehlmann in the Lower Providence Patch.