Wesley "Wes" Steven Pohorsky

Wesley Steven Pohorsky, 83, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024 after an extended illness. 

Wes to friends and Steve to family, was born on July 7, 1940 to Wesley A. and Marie Pohorsky of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a graduate of Parsons College. 

Wes married Marilyn Mortley on August 18, 1962 and built a life in Keokuk, Iowa where they had two children, Brent and Nicky. Wes was an excellent father and grandfather to McKenzy, Steven, Emma and Izzy and devoted great-grandfather to River. 

Wes devoted his life to education and coaching, serving as both a teacher and coach in the Keokuk Community Schools. He started his 35 year career in Keokuk as a student teacher, then as a teacher and lastly as Athletic Director. Teaching both Physical Education and Art at multiple levels, Wes had a direct influence on thousands of students over his 36 years. Wes served as the high school head wrestling coach and as a football coach. Wes served in many capacities at the state athletic level as well with the IHSAU, IHSAD and IHSGAU. In 2011, Wes was inducted into the Athletic Director Hall of Fame. 

Those who knew Wes, knew he was born a century too late. As an artist, his arts reflected his love of the west. From saddles to rope art to horses, Wes loved everything a cowboy should. He spent many hours in his art studio watching his other love, the Mississippi River. 

Those who knew Wes, knew his genuine smile and glass half full attitude was contagious. Wes was a devoted family man who loved his children, grandchildren and his great-grandchild. “Camp Grandpa” was a favorite destination for all. 

Wes was also a devoted supporter of Keokuk. You could find him working hard at the annual tourism board events. At the Battle of Pea Ridge reenactment, Eagle Days and Geode Fest. While he might have had some strong arm twisting from his late wife Marilyn, Wes was a devoted volunteer who always had a smile and a love of Keokuk. 

Wes was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn, parents Wesley and Marie and brother-in-law Jack Mortley. Wes is survived by his son Wesley “Brent” Pohorsky (Linda) of Rockwall, TX. and their children Mckenzy and Steven and great-granddaughter River. Daughter Nicky Sand (Chris) of Muscatine,and children Emma and Izzy. Brother Richard Pohorsky (Judi) of Cedar Rapids, and their children Jeni and Chad. Sister-in-law Margie Mortley of Albuquerque, NM. Wes also leaves behind longtime friend Teresa Johnson. Wes leaves behind many other families as well. His tourism family, his wrestling family and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

“In heaven, there will always be a place for cowboys, riding through the clouds, forever young.” 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at First Christian Church of Keokuk, with burial to follow at Sandusky Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 23, from 2 to 7 pm, with family meeting friends from 4 to 7 pm at DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk.

Memorials may be directed to the Wes Pohorsky Memorial Fund to be established for Keokuk wrestling team camp scholarships.

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