Muriel Pooler

Muriel Ann Pooler, age 92, of Little Falls, MN, formerly of Rochester, MN, passed away peacefully on July 18 at Little Falls Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday July 23, 2025 in Rochester, MN at Ranfranz and Vine funeral home (5421 Royal Pl NW). Visitation will be held one hour prior to memorial service. Following a light luncheon, she will be laid to rest in Oakwood cemetery.

Muriel Ann Bastian was born on November 29, 1932 in Fillmore County, MN, to the late Otto and Jeanne "Annie" Bastian. She graduated from Preston high school in 1950. Muriel married Robert A. Pooler on October 21, 1950 at Evangelical United Brethren Church in Preston, MN. They were blessed with two children, Vicki Lou and Craig Robert. Muriel and Bob made their home in Rochester, MN for their entire married life. Muriel worked for the Federal Government in the Olmsted County ASCS USDA office in Rochester for 30 years. She retired in March of 1990. Muriel was an accomplished bowler attending both state and national championships. She spent many enjoyable fishing trips with her husband, children and grandchildren in northern Minnesota. Muriel moved from Rochester to Little Falls, MN in 2018.

Muriel is survived by her children, Vicki Petrich of Corona, CA and Craig (Jacqueline) Pooler of Little Falls, MN; Four grandchildren, Eric Schwestka of Lake Elsinore, CA, Kristin (Joseph) Mellgren of Foley, MN, Matthew (Cassandra) Pooler of Elk River, MN, and Ryan (Alyssa) Petrich of Corona, CA; Five great grandchildren, Brittany and Hailey Mellgren, Watson and Norah Pooler and Rhys Petrich; Sister-in-law Marilyn Bastian and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; brothers Leo "Bud" (AnnaMarie) Bastian; Wayne Bastian and Wallace "Wally" (Genny) Bastian; and sister Opal (Emery) Baumgartner.

Our family wishes to thank all the Little Falls Care Center staff, nurses, nurse aides and hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to Mom over the last three years. Mom was blessed to have the support and love of many friends. A special thank you to Betty Lee for her calls, visits and weekly letters which always brightened Mom's days.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pooler family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com