Kelli Bronwyn Poehls

Kelli Bronwyn (Jacobson) Poehls age 53, of Moorhead, MN, died April 27th, 2023, in a care center in Eden Prairie, MN, from Multiple Sclerosis.

Kelli was born July 22nd, 1969, in Fargo, ND to Darwin and JeNell (Braaten) Jacobson. She graduated high school in Moorhead, MN in 1987. Kelli earned a BA degree at Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, NY. She interned for the NY governor in his offices in the World Trade Center, overlooking the Hudson River. Kelli appreciated her summer living in East Village and working at Sotheby’s Art Auction House in Manhattan.

When 9 members of Kelli’s Midwest family went to NY for her graduation, she was excited to give them a tour of the governor’s office, where they took turns sitting in his chair and looking down at the Statue of Liberty. Kelli also led a mid-town tour that included a Shakespeare play in Central Park. It wasn’t surprising for them to see people gathered around Kelli seeking directions, because she was enthusiastic and helpful, even with strangers in Central Park.

From NY Kelli moved to Seattle and loved her years there. She studied at the Leadership Institute of Seattle. About the time she was completing courses for a graduate degree, she was diagnosed with MS and soon after moved to St. Paul, MN. It was the beginning of her many years on a courageous journey of acceptance, when Kelli would often embrace the mantra “POL, Part of Life”.

Kelli married Terry Poehls, in 1997. They both enjoyed the world of books and movies. When they had daughters, Mara and Avery were named after characters in books. Kelli loved her girls who were a special joy in her life. The early Beach Bashes and Christmas parties were highlights for Kelli. As children Kelli and Jill, and later with families, enjoyed many weekends at their dad’s lake cabin. Spending quality time with her numerous nieces and nephews was another of Kelli’s cherished activities.

As young children Kelli and Jill loved staying at their grandparents’ farm, where they played with kittens, and their young uncle and aunts showered them with attention. Kelli glowed during her first stage appearance in kindergarten where she opened the show singing, “Here comes Suzie Snowflake”, and when performing in “Guys and Dolls”, and as Anita in “West Side Story” in high school. Kelli entertained while creating memories at gatherings with extended family. No shortage of laughter in those early years of Braaten Christmas programs on the farm! All through her life Kelli would say, “We have the best family.”

Kelli thrived in a training position at Target Corporation in Minneapolis. She was known for her engaging and entertaining nature, confidence and wit. Each time Kelli took on a new role as a professional, she gave the best she had to give. She valued contributing to her family for as long as she was able.

Kelli is survived by her husband, Terry Poehls of Moorhead, MN; daughters, Mara Poehls of St. Paul, MN, Avery Poehls of Moorhead, MN; mother JeNell Jacobson (stepfather Stan Wiebe) of Plymouth, MN; mother-in-law Marilyn Bjerke (Everett), Moorhead, MN; father-in-law Harlan Poehls, Moorhead, MN; sister Jill Jerdee (Jason) of Plymouth, MN; stepsisters Michelle, Kristen, Karla Wiebe, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Darwin Jacobson; grandparents Clarence and Margaret Braaten, and Ray and Doll Jacobson.