January 12 1930 June 22 2019
John’s Obituary John (“Jack”) Andrew Polzin, age 89, passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at Theda Care Regional Medical Center, Neenah, due to complications associated with a fall at home in early May. Born in Shawano on Jan. 12, 1930, John spent his childhood in Clintonville, WI, where his father worked for the Four Wheel Drive (FWD) Auto Company. John attended public schools in Clintonville, with the exception of his middle school years when his family made their home in Appleton, WI during World War II. They later returned to Clintonville, and John graduated from Clintonville High School in 1949. John married Dejon Goddake on Aug. 9, 1958. They were the second couple married at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano and would have celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on Aug. 9, 2019. John and Dejon have remained in Shawano since they were married and both devoted their entire careers to educating young people in the community. A 1953 graduate of Wisconsin State College – Stevens Point, John first earned a Bachelor’s of Education degree in intermediate and upper elementary education and taught elementary school for two years in Marion and Waupaca. He later attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison, graduating with a Master of Science degree in secondary social studies education. When he had an opportunity to transfer to Shawano public schools, he spent 20 years teaching high school social studies and history in the Shawano School District. Later, he also received his certificate in library science from UW-Stevens Point and worked as the head librarian at Shawano High School for the last 10 years of his career. In between his teaching assignments, John served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed overseas during the Korean War. John retired from teaching in 1989 – some would say he retired before fulfilling his other true callings of becoming a meteorologist, political debate coach, ever-hopeful golf pro, or tour guide for historical sites. However, he remained a dedicated fitness enthusiast throughout his lifetime, John was a long-time runner, and he competed in 3K and 5K events later in life. In addition to golfing and running, he also enjoyed biking, walking, and snowshoeing. Former teaching colleagues may even remember the entertaining table tennis “tournaments” he hosted at home. John greatly enjoyed introducing his grandson Ian to golf and taking him to his first lessons with local pros at Shawano Lake Golf Course. And he always found time to exercise with his beloved late family dogs (Kirby, Barney, Cid, and grand dogs Chelsey and Kayleigh), playing Frisbee or catch with them and taking them on long walks. In his spare time, John was a member of the Shawano County Area Retirement Teachers Association (SCARTA), served on the Zion Lutheran Church Council many years ago, volunteered with his grandson Ian to help Dejon at the Shawano Medical Center Boutique, worked as an election official at the voting polls, and volunteered in activities to help drive voter turnout. He also enjoyed keeping up with his favorite sports teams: the Wisconsin Badgers, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Shawano Hawks, and Clintonville Truckers. He followed many other area teams as well, including the UWSP Pointers and UWGB Phoenix. Proud to live his life computer-free, reading was another favorite pastime of John’s as evidenced by his own large “archive” of newspapers, magazines, and books. Many will remember John for sharing an article or book with them – often passed along with some color commentary. He was known for his dry sense of humor and quick wit, and he loved a good joke but admittedly had a hard time remembering the punch lines, so he often would repeat the same one-liners and knock-knock jokes or share a favorite cartoon instead. John is survived by his wife, Dejon, whom he cared for at home for the past several years. Survivors also include his daughter and son-in-law Priscilla and Paul Zahn of Shawano, daughter Mary Polzin of Minneapolis, grandson Ian Zahn of Sheboygan, WI, and two grand dogs Maisy and Josie of Minneapolis. John also is survived by sisters-in-law Ruth Polzin and Kathi Polzin, brother-in-law Jim Hoffmann, many nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Leo C. Polzin and mother Dorothy (Sorensen) Polzin Raffin, Dorothy’s second husband Art Raffin; and brothers Robert Polzin and Dr. Tom Polzin; sister Patti Hoffmann; sister and brother-in-law Mary Ann and Jim Grothe; and niece Amy Polzin. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday June 26, 2019 at Zion Lutheran Church, in Shawano, with Pastor Scott Ludford officiating. Visitation will be at church from 11 a.m. on Wednesday June 26, 2019 until time of service. Military rites will be conducted by the Shawano American Legion post 117. Swedberg Funeral Home, Shawano, is handling arrangements. A private burial will be held at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery, Shawano. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in John’s name to the Shawano County Humane Society, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association or Zion Lutheran Church. John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses, doctors, therapists, staff, and special friends at Theda Care Regional Medical Center in Neenah and Shawano Health Services for providing wonderful care and support to John during the past two months. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John A Polzin January 12 1930 June 22 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Bonduel, state: Wisconsin