Obituary
Doris Mae (Knudson) Poole
Of La Crosse, Doris Mae Poole, 76, died January 3, 2016 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at the Coulee Region Cremation Group in Onalaska at 11:00 am with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A full obituary will follow.
Doris is one of my favorite people! She had a rough exterior, but the kindest soul ever known. She was a caregiver from the heart, she made this world a better place just by her existence. My sympathies-
I worked with Doris for many years at Vernon Manor and she was an outstanding nursing assistant and a lot of fun. There are still a few staff and residents who remember her. What a work ethic she had! She went above and beyond in caring for the residents and they were family to her. She could charm the most cantankerous and difficult individuals; a true pioneer of person centered care!
I’m grateful to have known her and am so sorry for her loss.
Our family first met Doris when she worked at Vernon Manor and was taking care of my sister Janet Sisul. She was one of the kindest and most attentive aides I have ever met. In that we live in northern Wisconsin, it was such a relief to know that Doris was watching out for her.
When my sister went to live in Onalaska at a group home, she continued to visit my sister. She was so dedicated, that she helped bring my sister up to my dad’s funeral and to visit at my mom’s house.
Every time we went to visit Janet, we tried to get together with Doris. We enjoyed her company and appreciated how she brightened my sister’s life.
My sister is very sad at losing her friend. Today in talking with her about the funeral, she said, “Doris was always there for me. I want to be there for her.”
Our family is very sad to lose such a special person. We hope the many wonderful memories that you shared with her, help you through her loss.
I would like to send my condolences and love to all of Doris’ family. I am Connie Harris and used to work with Doris at Vernon Manor. Doris and I soon became friends. Doris arrived early for work each morning and would always have an English muffin with peanut butter ready for me. She and I would have that and a cup of coffee before we checked in to work. Doris loved her work and taking care of the residents and she made sure the other workers did right! At first Doris would seem like she was a strict woman, but you soon saw she was a very kind woman. I’m in the nursing home here in Viroqua. Doris came to see me and my twin sister shortly before she passed. She talked about her family. She told about when she and Pat drove down to my house on a summer day. Pat was telling us about all the jokes Doris had played on her. We really enjoyed sharing life with Doris. Thank you for sharing. Sincerely, Connie & Bonnie