Carl R. Poley, Md

Carl R. Poley, M.D.

June 11, 1945 – December 7, 2023

“I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship.” (Exodus 31:3)

A respected physician. A devoted father, grandfather and friend. A passionate “student of life” with an insatiable thirst for learning. Dr. Carl Robert Poley was captivated by every aspect of God’s wonderous creation and welcomed everyone to join him on a journey of discovery.

A new journey for Carl began on Thursday, December 7, 2023, as he was welcomed into the loving arms of his risen Savior.

The oldest of four children, Carl was born in Buffalo, New York to Florence (Miga) and Howard Poley. Earning the Eagle Scout designation as a teenager unlocked what would become a lifelong passion for learning.

After graduating from Canisius High School and Canisius College in Buffalo, New York, Carl moved to Milwaukee to attend Marquette Medical College of Wisconsin. During a pediatric rotation at Milwaukee Children’s Hospital his junior year, he met a young RN working there—Nancy—and they married the day after his graduation. After internship and residency at St. Joseph Hospital in Milwaukee, he served three years in the U.S. Army in Wurzburg, Germany.

In 1978 Carl and his young family relocated to Green Bay where he worked as an OB-GYN at Beaumont Clinic (now Prevea). During his distinguished career, he had the privilege of delivering thousands of babies including one set of triplets and several sets of twins at St. Vincent, St. Mary’s and Bellin hospitals. A dedicated servant leader, Carl served on the Ethics Committee at St. Vincent Hospital and as President of Beaumont Clinic, as well as participating in medical missionary trips through Christian Medical Society. Later in his career, he became Medical Director of Prevea Health Plan while working part-time in OB-GYN. After retiring, he trained in California to perform acupuncture and opened Agape’s Acupuncture in Green Bay.

When Shakespeare wrote, “Knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven,” he was surely referring to Carl, whose deep Christian faith, love of family and zest for learning were interwoven into the fabric of his life. Over the years, he thrived on leading and participating in church Bible study (Romans was his favorite chapter), coaching his kids’ soccer games, playing multiple musical instruments, singing with the Bayland Barbershop Chorus, or honing his photography skills. He sought out training to become a Master in Duplicate Bridge and opened a Bridge Center bringing together other enthusiasts. He also served as President of Ascension Lutheran Church and was a member of the Allouez Optimist Club.

Where there was an opportunity to learn more, he seized it. He often found the research as enjoyable as the activity itself—from mastering magic tricks to training his hunting dog for field trials. In fact, just before his death, Carl was studying the brain in seniors to discover techniques to improve the quality of life of those in his assisted living community.

Yet without question the greatest joys of his life were his six children and three grandchildren. He loved time with his family, whether swimming in the backyard pool or downhill skilling on family vacations. He relished singing duets at church with his oldest daughter, golfing with his sons, learning sign language with his youngest daughter, ballroom dancing with Nancy, going to Packer games and attending family reunions.

Carl is survived by his former wife Nancy, who remained a close and loving friend until the end; children Jennifer, Robert, Christopher (Rana), Michael (Nicole), Benjamin and Heather; grandchildren Kirsten Just (fiancé Jordan Schuyler), Justin, Chip and “Baby” due in January; siblings Linda Amico, James (Terry) Poley, Katie (Chay) McWilliam; former brothers-in-law Richard (Holly) Knuth and Greg (Mari Brian) Knuth; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Sal Amico; former father- and mother-in-law Richard and Delores (Daron) Knuth; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Family and friends may call at Ascension Lutheran Church, 2911 Libal Street, Green Bay, from 9 to 11 a.m. December 16, 2023, followed by a service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Allouez Catholic Cemetery, Green Bay. Cotter Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to the Brown County Veterans Association or Ascension Lutheran Church.

The family extends thanks and gratitude to the staff of Oak Park Assisted Living.