MILTON POLLNOW
December 23, 1918 - April 02, 2023
Obituary
Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather, Milton Carlton Pollnow, passed away peacefully and gracefully on April 2, 2023, at the age of 104 at Valley VNA, Neenah.
Milton was born December 23, 1918, at home in Oshkosh, WI. He attended schools in Oshkosh and loved playing all sports including golf, basketball, football, and baseball. While playing basketball, he broke his leg and was hospitalized at Mercy Hospital. Here he fell in love with student nurse, Enice Metzig, later married her in 1943, and in 2018 celebrated 75 years of marriage.
World War II called him into duty and through very unusual circumstances he served in the US Navy, Army, and Air Force. In the Army Air Corp he was a navigator on the B-17, “My Gal Ellen”, and flew 37 harrowing missions out of Lavenham, England. After the war he continued to serve for 22 years in the US Air Force Reserve which took him many places around the world until he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He worked for 35 years for the US Postal Service in Neenah. His love of sports prompted him to be a WIAA basketball and football official for 22 years. He often served on community and church committees. He loved to play sheepshead and was a regular player at the Boys Brigade group. He was an avid gardener and took meticulous care of his home and garden and was always a helpful friend in the neighborhood. Later when he could no longer play or referee sports, he cheered on the Badgers, the Packers, the Bucks, the Brewers, and the Neenah Rockets. However, he remained a devoted Cubs fan since youth. Being a true Wisconsinite he loved squeaky Union Star Cheese curds.
He is survived by son, Jan Pollnow, Seven Lakes, NC; daughter, Jill Kimball (Nick Jewett), Poulsbo, WA; and daughter-in-law, Linda Pollnow, WI Rapids, WI; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. Milton was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Louise; wife, Enice; sister, Elaine; and son, Russ.
A private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Valley VNA of Neenah, or Hospice Care of Neenah.
A very special thank you to the dedicated and caring staff of the Valley VNA and Hospice Care of Neenah. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
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Memories
JA
John Arpin
Other •
What a wonderful life well lived…Milt was an awesome husband, father and grand father. His son, Russ, and I were best friends growing up in Neenah. We shared many great memories of our time together and Milt was always there to cheer on the Rockets and tell stories of his own “hoops playing” days. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family as you celebrate the life of a great man.
John Arpin
DB
Dale Bartley
Other •
Jan,
What a rich and interesting life your Father led. How can anyone do anything except celebrate your fathers incredible life.
AR
Art Ross
Other •
What a fulfilling life! When Russ and the guys got together we always had Milt to interact with. He was genuinely interested in us ! Once at Elkhart for the car races, Russ while looking for an item in the trunk put the keys down to search. Milt comes along, finds the item and closes the trunk of the car. Milt asks Russ where are the car keys ? Russ said, I think they are in the car. Milt was not happy and elected me to go in the trunk once we removed the back seat! When I found the keys I think he wanted to adopt me! Great man!