John W. “Jack” Polnow

PORTAGE  --   John W. “Jack” Polnow, age 90, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2017, surrounded by his family, at Meriter Hospital in Madison.

Jack was born on August 2, 1927, and grew up on the family farm in Pacific Township, the son of Friedrich and Bertha (Miller) Polnow. Jack graduated from Rio High School in 1945, and was a hard worker all his life.  He married Eleanor M. Rost on December 28, 1947.  Jack delivered fuel oil for Claire Scott in the area before becoming a partner with Forrest Moseley in Moseley and Polnow Standard Oil.  Forrest retired in 1968, and Jack became sole proprietor of Polnow Standard until his retirement in January of 1988.  Jack lived to golf.  He also loved boating and pontooning on Swan Lake.  Jack enjoyed bowling, traveling with Eleanor, and spending winters in Mission, Texas. He was a member of the Portage Country Club, B.P.O.E. Lodge #675, Portage, and Portage Presbyterian Church.  Jack’s great grandchildren gave him much joy.   

He is survived by his children, Stephen J. (Cynthia) Polnow and James W. (Sue) Polnow, all of Portage; his grandchildren, Amy (Andy Benoy) Polnow, of Madison, Megan (Matt) Manthey, of Portage, and Rebecca (Steve Pionke) Polnow, of Madison; three step-granddaughters, Jennifer (Andy) Shea, of Minneapolis, MN, Stephanie Accardo, of Daleyville, and Rebecca Grant, of Portage; his great-grandchildren, Willa Manthey, Brody and Maxson Pionke, Audrey Accardo, Anthony, William, and Loretta Shea, Abby and Natalie Grant; his sister-in-law, Evelyn Dampier, of North Fort Myers, FL, cousins, nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Eleanor in 2016, and his siblings, Fred, Francis and Floris.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017, at Portage Presbyterian Church, in Portage, with the Rev. David Hankins officiating.  Burial will be private in Silver Lake Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday, October 20, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Portage Presbyterian Church.