"One of the most dedicated AD's I have had the pleasure to learn from. RIP"
In loving memory of
John Edward Polzin
February 1, 1953 - June 7, 2015
DEERFIELD - John Polzin, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and teacher, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday night, June 7, 2015. He was 62.
Born on Feb. 1, 1953, John Edward Polzin was raised in Oshkosh, where his roots ran deep. The first of Junnie and Elaine (Danback) Polzin's three children, John was baptized at St. Vincent Catholic Church, where he later received his First Communion and was confirmed. He graduated from Oshkosh Lourdes High School in 1971, and did not stray far for college, earning a bachelor's degree from UW-Oshkosh in 1975 with a Mathematics major and a Physics minor.
John married his high school sweetheart, Gail Kieckhafer, on June 21, 1975. The wedding at Sacred Heart Catholic Church marked the final chapter of their Oshkosh life, as a phone call only a month later would lead them to the small community where they planted their own substantial roots.
The Deerfield School District had called UW-Oshkosh in search of a math teacher, and John became Deerfield's guy. Over time, he simply became Deerfield. He and Gail moved to the community, where they raised two children, Matt and Kristen. Outside of the classroom, John earned his master's degree in Math Education from UW-Whitewater in 1983. He also coached varsity girls basketball, varsity football, and middle school boys basketball, and he became Deerfield's athletic director in 1985.
Known to many simply as "P," John was a man who enjoyed living amongst his family, his friends, his students, his colleagues, and his community. He and Gail were a constant presence at DHS events, even when his job did not require him to be there. He was never shy about showing his pride in his students, including those who had graduated and moved on, whose successes in college and beyond would still prompt congratulatory messages from "P."
John's last days encapsulated much of what he loved about life in Deerfield, and showed why Deerfield loved him. On Saturday, he watched with pride as Deerfield athletes, coached by his son, competed successfully at the state track meet. Then, on Sunday, he watched his 40th class of Deerfield graduates receive their diplomas. After a plethora of smiles, hugs, and photos, he hit the rounds of the afternoon graduation parties to wish his students well, then returned home for a quiet evening with his wife and dog.
He was recognized often by his peers, students, and community organizations with accolades such as Significant Educator in the Trailways Conference, numerous yearbook dedications, Deerfield Homecoming Parade Grand Marshal, honorary graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, and in 2006 the Deerfield Lions Club honored him as its Citizen of the Year. Earlier this Spring, John was lauded for his 40 years as an educator in Deerfield.
John would probably blanch at being called a pillar of the community, but he was a vital part of the foundation of the school and the community he loved, helping to make Deerfield a great place to learn and to live.
John's greatest accomplishment was his two children, Matt and Kristen, and his life was greatly enhanced in recent years with the arrival of his four grandchildren, all of whom shared the same community with him. From fishing trips to silly games to nature walks, they all cherished the time they spent together.
He enjoyed fishing and hunting - and telling all of the stories that accompanied those pursuits - gardening, napping, spending time at his trailer on Pelican Lake, taking camping trips out West with his family, eating ice cream in the evening, and of course, all things Deerfield.
John's impact stretches immeasurably deep, but he will be missed the most by those closest to him: His wife of 40 years, Gail; his children, Matthew (Rachel) Polzin and Kristen (Scott) Witkowski and grandchildren, Hayden and Lance Polzin, Aubrey and Eli Witkowski, all of Deerfield; his father-in-law Don Kieckhafer of Oshkosh; his brother Dave (Donna) Polzin of Omro and sister Jean (Keith) Krueger of Mosinee; in-laws Jeff (Laurie) Kieckhafer of Oshkosh and Donna (Randy) Feldman of Minneapolis; his Uncle Jim (June) Danback; numerous cousins, nieces and a nephew; his dog, Finnley; and all of the Deerfield family.
He was reunited in heaven with his parents, Junnie and Elaine; his mother-in-law, Dolores Kieckhafer; and his dogs, Taren and Hawkeye.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2015, at 5pm at the Deerfield High School gymnasium, 300 Simonson Blvd, Deerfield, WI with a visitation to follow until 9pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 434 N Main Street, Cottage Grove. A visitation will be held at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. A luncheon will follow at Deerfield High School.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the John Polzin Memorial Account at the Bank of Deerfield.
John's life was rich, full, and meaningful - it was just too short. He may not be around to see his grandchildren grow up, but they will grow up having experienced their grandfather's unlimited adoration. He may not be around to witness Matt and Kristen's latest achievements, but they will always feel their father's pride. And he may not be here to experience the sunset of life with Gail, but she will always have her soulmate's love. We will always miss you, John, and we will never stop loving you.
Cress Funeral Home
201 Bue Street, Deerfield
(608) 764-4513
Tributes
"I was in 7th grade when Mr P first came to Deerfield from Oshkosh. He was a teacher that was always engaged with the kids in different ways. Whether it be math, a hunting story, or just a story known as a "life lesson". He enjoyed being with us, his students. He cared and shared himself with us all. Regardless of our backgrounds. He coached the infamous freshman basketball and football teams with a smile. Looking back, he probably coached just to be with the kids to help us in any way that he could. He was a great man and an under appreciated teacher to the Deerfield schools. I look back at my time at DHS with great memories and Mr.P was one of the reasons Deerfield was as a memorable place. His time may be done here, but I am sure the good Lord has a grand plan for his continued teachings. Rest in peace Mr. P.......you will be missed. Rob Farnsworth. Class of 81"
"My sympathies to all in the family, over the last 30 years working with John at DHS I've seen the whole family grow up. I know I and all the Deerfield community will miss John and his positve attitude towards all tremendously. John was always jovial and understanding, and always put his students and student athlete's interests first, putting in long hours, ocassionally under apppreciated but always appreciated by me. I've always regarded John as a friend and will miss him very much. Go with God John. Steve Nass PT/LAT "
"Your smile, your laughter your understanding. Thank you."
"I was so saddened to hear of P's passing. He was an important part of my 23 years at DHS. I had been away from teaching for a number of years and had never taught at the HS level.He was a mentor,role model, go-to-guy for my many questions, mathematical and otherwise during both my subbing(often for him) and my years of full time teaching.I have so many good memories--though the loud, bumpy,long annual bus ride to and home from the district math meet may not qualify. He was much better at being able to sleep and remain upright in his seat than I--more practice I am certain. He was a colleague and I hope a friend and my heart and prayers go out to all his family."
"Know John for many years! I always know if I was going to Deerfield to officiate Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball or Softball, I would see John and my day would be better. He would make you feel welcomed. I will miss him! I guess his work on earth was done."
"Sorry for the loss of your father, Matt. Although I did not know him, he is the kind of passionate and dedicated individual all of us would be better off knowing and making a difference in our lives, especially the young men and women he so profoundly over his long career as a coach and teacher. May his legacy continue through you and all those in whose lives he made a difference. My deepest sympathy to you and your family."
"So sorry for your loss Gail. Craig & I will never forget the great times we would have being able to enjoy Christmas at your parents house with all of you. Our thoughts & prayers go out to you and your family.
Craig & Lynn Behm"
"Working along side of John over the years was a joy. His leadership as an Athletic Director was amazing. He was a great role model. God Bless John Polzin! "