Lloyd Mathias Pogatchnik

Lloyd Mathias Pogatchnik, 83, of Aitkin, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.  He was born on September 21, 1941, in Albany, MN, the son of Mathew and Bridget (Schichta) Pogatchnik.  He grew up in Albany and graduated from Albany High School in 1959.  He earned a B.S. in Comprehensive Science from St. Cloud State University in 1965.  Lloyd was united in marriage to Mary Ellen (Conlin) on June 11, 1966, in St. Cloud.  He was employed as a science teacher at Wabasso High School for 5 years before moving to Vandenberg Junior High in Elk River where he taught 9th grade Physical Science for 29 years.  He enjoyed woodturning, reading, golfing (he had 3 hole-in-ones!), traveling, fishing, shooting skeet and trap, and was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins.  He was a member of the Wealthwood Gun Club, the MN Education Association, the Garrison Lions Club, and a church council member at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Garrison.  He was preceded in death by his daughter Debbie, sister Marlene Warzecha, and his parents.  Lloyd is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Pogatchnik of Aitkin; daughter Diana Cermak (Steven) of Galesburg, IL; son Dean Pogatchnik of Champlin; grandchildren Abby, Ben, and Tim Cermak, and Nolan and Anna Pogatchnik; brothers David Pogatchnik of Rice, William Pogatchnik of St. Stephen, and Daniel Pogatchnik of Avon; and many other special relatives and friends who mourn his passing.
Funeral service is 11:00am – Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Saint James Catholic Church in Aitkin.  Father Scott Pogatchnik will be the officiant.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church and a Celebration of Life reception will follow.  Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in St Anthony, MN.  Arrangements are with Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.  To leave a message of condolence, please go to www.srtfuneral.com 
Monetary memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to Homeward Bound (12805 Highway 55, Suite 400, Plymouth, MN 55441).

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