Employer takes lead raising support following house fire

MT. PLEASANT — Mohrfeld Electric has begun raising funds to support the Pollmeier family after the loss of their 13-year-old son in a house fire northeast of Mt. Pleasant last Tuesday.

A recently created GoFundMe campaign created by Carl Pollmeier’s employer for more than 10 years, Michael Mohrfeld of Mohrfeld Electric identified 13-year-old Jacob Pollmeier as the victim of the house fire, last week.

According to a statement from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was reported at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the 2300 grid of 220th street.

“The home was fully engulfed in fire,” the statement said. “As the fire was being contained it was discovered that one occupant was unaccounted for. After the fire was extinguished a person was found inside the burned residence.”

The statement also said that the home was a complete loss and the fire would be investigated by Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office.

According to Carl’s sister Jessica Aprison, Mohrfeld Electric has stepped up to manage all the relief and aid efforts on the Pollmeier Family’s behalf.

Aprison directs those wishing to help support the family in their time of need to either reach out to Mohrfeld Electric directly, visit the GoFundMe page, sign up to donated needed items, or attend a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at Mt. Pleasant Christian School, Friday, June 23.

“One of the best guys I have the opportunity to work with has endured more than most can imagine,” Michael Mohrfeld wrote as he shared the GoFundMe on Facebook. “Carl is the guy that continually goes out of his way to lend a helping hand and rises to the challenge when he is needed the most.”

“I cannot describe a kinder man than Carl,” he continued. “This week, the Pollmeier family lost 13-year-old Jacob, one of Carl’s four children. The family’s home and all belongings were also lost.”

“Friends, it is our turn to raise a helping hand, show the support and be the insurance,” Mohrfeld encouraged others. “It takes a village…”

According to the Facebook page “Support the Pollmeier Family” Carl and his family will be moving into a temporary apartment while they determine permanent housing.

Jillian Mohrfeld, with Mohrfeld Electric, created a list of home furnishings needed for the family.

Less than 24 hours after posting this list of needed items, nearly every need from baking sheets to blankets to clothing to mattresses were filled by a supportive community.

“The family is facing starting from scratch, while facing the devastating task of grieving Jacob,” Supporting the Pollmeier Family’s Facebook page states. “All donations will go directly to the family for immediate needs such as clothing, daily necessities, and meals as well as future expenses and funeral arrangements for Jacob.”

Another way to support the family at this time is to attend a benefit dinner for the Pollmeier family at Mt. Pleasant Christian School, Friday, June 23 from 5-7 p.m. for a dine-in or carry-out free-will donation spaghetti dinner.

“He has endured such a tragedy, losing his child, all of his belongings and their family home,” Jillian Mohrfeld wrote. “Please help if you can as we all rally together to rebuild a future and find a home for Carl and his children.”

To donate to the GoFundMe page visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-pollmeier-family

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com