John Polzin

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