Eugene “Gene” D. Polzin

1928-2019

Eugene “Gene” D. Polzin, 91, of Medford, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 at UW Hospital in Madison. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford with Rev. Gary Lodholz officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. Interment of his cremated remains will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.

Gene was born on April 4, 1928 in Big Falls, the son of Harvey and Hattie (Rambo) Polzin. He grew up in Plainfield, confirmed at the United Methodist Church and continued his education at UW-Stevens Point and received his master’s degree at UW-Madison. He was an All-State basketball player and state champ in the pole vault. Gene taught high school math in Shawano and Janesville. He met his loving wife, Bonnie Kalepp, while teaching together at Shawano. He would say that their first date was at Rib Mountain Ski Hill where he fell head over heels for her. They married on June 15, 1956 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Dorchester. After retiring from teaching in Janesville, they moved to Medford to be near Bonnie’s family. There he also worked for the City of Medford as a home inspector and did home and electrical work for many friends, church and family.

Gene had many other talents and hobbies, woodworking, hunting, golfing and softball. He and Bonnie loved to travel, dance, downhill ski and spent many winters together in South Texas during their 63 years of marriage. He was very active in his church, Trinity Lutheran Church of Medford. He was often found singing bass in the choir, helping with the building projects and enjoying every minute by working with and getting to know his fellow parishioners. His faith was as strong as his firm handshake. But his most treasured moments were spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; three children, Eric (Marcy) Polzin of Janesville, Greg Polzin of Fitchburg and Lisa (Sean) Whinnery of Middleton; one brother, Doug (Anita) Polzin of Plover; four grandchildren, Joshua, Gera, Aidan (Rosie) and Declan; two great-grandchildren, Noah and Alana, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by three sisters, Ruth, Rosemary and Carol; and one brother, John.

Hemer Funeral Service of Rib Lake and Medford is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit hemerfuneralservice.com.

Paid Obituary 81042