Obituary of Mike Poell

Mr. Mike Poell of Sterling, VA, born in Hanover, Kansas on November 14, 1932, son of George Everett Poell and Hilda Anastasia Doebele passed away on March 31, 2023. Mr. Poell attended Oregon State and Portland University where he met his wife, Bernetta. They married in July 24, 1954, for sixty-eight glorious years. 

Upon graduation, Mr. Poell received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force which was the beginning of his illustrious career.

Mr. Poell had a very distinguished twenty year career, earning the rank of Lt Col in the Air Force followed by twenty-three years of exceptional service as a Senior Intelligence Officer within the Intelligence Community (IC) of the federal government.  Mr. Poell's contributions were in the field of Imagery Analysis, now referred as Geoint Intelligence (GEOINT) that crossed over all boundaries of the IC:  Central Intelligence Agency, National Photographic Interpretation Center, Defense Intelligence Agency, National Reconnaisance Office and lastly the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) whereby, today his contributions to GEOINT remains and will be his legacy. 

Mr. Poell's contributions are many.  His most prestigious recognition was being inducted into the NGA Hall of Fame, September 13, 2018 where he joins past inductees.  Mr. Poell leaves a legacy of successes all across the IC surrounded by his passion for mission and its people.

In addition to his career, Mr. Poell's next passion was the game of golf.  When asked if there were other activities he enjoyed, he would reply "Golf is What I Do". Mr. Poell was a member of the Mount Vernon Country Club for 27 years.

Mr. Poell died peacefully surrounded by family.  He leaves behind his wife, Bernetta Poell, six children:  Kimberly Lawson, Kelly Poell, Michael Poell, Patrick Poell, Christopher Poell and Kerry Scoggin. Eighteen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will to be held at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA, on Sunday,  April 16, 2023 from 2:00-5:00pm.

Mr. Poell will be interred at Arlington National Ceremony at a later date.