Dorothea M. Polzin, age 92, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2017 at St. Joseph Residence, New London.
She was born on February 8, 1925 in Milwaukee, daughter of the late Walter and Marjory (Haerter) Ernst. On September 1, 1966, she was united in marriage to Don Polzin in Oshkosh.
Dorothea attended Milwaukee schools, UW Madison, BA Journalism, MA Curriculum and Instruction. She worked as a newspaper reporter in Festus, MO; did public relations for Stephens College Columbia, MO; taught English in Pepin, WI; taught kindergarten in Oshkosh, WI and retired from teaching kindergarten in New London, WI after 18 years. She volunteered form many years as a tutor with the Fox Valley Literacy Coalition and mentored at the New London Middle School. Dorothea was a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, New London, the New London Golf Club, Nicolet Country Club, Laona and the New London Lionettes. She traveled to all seven continents and throughout the United States. Dorothea enjoyed spending time at her log cabin in the Nicolet Forest at Wabeno. She was proud to be selected as one of the 10 most admired seniors in the state.
She is survived by her son Mark Grossman, Walden, CO; step-children: Judy Clements, Waukesha, WI; Sally (Gene) Brunn, Woodbury, MN; Skip (Teri) Polzin, Fort Collins, CO; a brother, John (Joy) Ernst, Pasadena, CA; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Matt), Valaurie (Bill), Katie, Natalie and Dan (Tamra). She is further survived by other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her first husband, James C. Grossman; second husband, Don Polzin and also son-in-law, Palmer Clements.
A memorial services for Dorothea will be held on Monday, April 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Greg Watling officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com
Dorothea’s family would like to thank the staff at St. Joseph Residence for the wonderful care and concern for her.