July 14, 1940 – January 31, 2026
Clear Lake- Roger Poole 85, passed away Saturday January 31, 2026, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa.
A private family graveside service to honor Roger’s wish, was held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Clear Lake Cemetery, with full military honors conducted by members of the Clear Lake VFW Post 4868. Memorials may be directed to the CLYC Sailing School in Roger’s memory or in care of the family.
Roger Marshall Poole was born July 14, 1940, in Stamford, Connecticut, the son of Foy and Mildred (Furlik) Poole. He graduated from Stamford High School and continued his education at Hobart College where he graduated with a history degree.
Roger proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. On May 14, 1967, he was united in marriage to Evelyn “Sue” Ball. Together they were blessed with three children.
Roger was employed by the Chicago & North Western Railroad, which later merged into the Union Pacific Railroad, as the transportation superintendent. During his career, Roger and his family lived in several places throughout Pennsylvania, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Iowa, among others. He and Sue eventually settled in Urbandale, Iowa, where they raised their family.
In 1999, the family relocated to Clear Lake, where Roger and Sue fulfilled their longtime dream of opening Starboard Market, a family restaurant. As the business grew, Roger retired from the railroad to help operate the restaurant full-time.
Roger was passionate about restoring wooden boats and found joy in model railroading, jazz, classical music, and antiquing for hidden treasures. He enjoyed attending church, reading, and water skiing, and in his younger years, he especially loved tap dancing.
Roger is survived by his children, Jennifer Coffman, Clear Lake, IA, Brian Poole, Des Moines, IA and Katie (Joe) Ocel; his grandsons, Cade and Lane Paulson, all of Clear Lake; his sister, Nancy (Bob) Carey, Fortuna, Ca; nieces and nephews, Marshall Poole, North Kingstown, RI, Monica Poole, Warwick RI, Michael Poole, New York, NY, Amy (Darin) Denton, Bristol, VA and Judd Owens, Bristol, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Foy Poole and Mildred Poole; his wife, Evelyn “Sue” Poole; his brother, Douglas Poole; son-in-law, Ron Coffman; his aunt, Stephanie Gillane; mother and father-in-law, Ben (Ruby) Ball; and his sister- and brother-in-law, Wanda (Dan) Owens.
Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North Clear Lake, Iowa 50428. 641-357-2193