PAULINE MICHALSKI

PAULINE M. MICHALSKI

May 27, 1932 - September 21, 2023

Pauline (Grannum) Michalski, born to Pauline (Vincent) Grannum and Earl Grannum, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

           Pauline lived up to her nickname: Sassy/Sass-box. Her humor could be described as witty and sarcastic, which coming out of her sweet-looking 4'10", 100lbs stature was a pleasant surprise. In addition to her candidness, her generosity and charm stole the hearts of everyone around her; she was the first person you'd go to for consolement or an uplifting spirit. As a lifelong practicing Catholic, her daily devotions and trust in God lead her through life always seeing the good, and the ability to guide others through their happiness and hardship.

           Pauline met the love of her life, Edward, through a mutual friend doing what she loved most: roller skating. After four years of dating, they married on September 7th, 1957, during which she worked as a switchboard operator at Midstates Trucking Co., prior to taking a long term position at Drover's Bank. She very much enjoyed her work, but her most cherished role was being a mother to her daughter Linda.

           Outside of her passion for roller skating, she enjoyed her time knitting/crocheting, sewing, puzzles/cards, polka dancing, and reading; activities that created lasting memories with her daughter and grandchildren. She was especially invested in anything that allowed her to spend time with her family. Coming from a close-knit family of nine children and devoted parents, her upbringing was full of love, which molded her into the caring and dependable person everyone knew her as – with a side of some spicy attitude.

          Going to Pauline's home would guarantee a warm greeting with cookies and coffee cake, singing and dancing along to the record player, and her undivided attention. Washing, or as she would say, "worshing," the window treatments and walls were a normal semi-annual thing that everyone should adopt in their cleaning schedule – at minimum; and though she was a lover of animals, dust bunnies never made the cut.

           It brings the family comfort that she is reunited with her husband in their eternal life. "The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away; and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death." Isaiah 57. 

           Pauline is survived by her daughter: Linda (Michael) Thomer; grandchildren: John and Michele Nick; great-grandchildren: Carson and Avery Nick, and Natalie Wendt; brother: Robert Grannum; sister-in-law: Merrilee (Bill) Wise; niece: Ginny (Matt) Voelker; nephews: Scott (Cathie Doyle) Ariel, Kyle Ariel, and John (Tami) Mason; along with three great-nieces and one great-nephew.

           She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Michalski, and her siblings: Earl Grannum, William Grannum, John Grannum, Alice Grannum (Walsh), Helen Grannum, Evangeline Grannum (Hense), and Richard Grannum.

           A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the Neenah Public Library in the Shattuck Community Room: 240 E Wisconsin Ave. Neenah, WI 54956. From 11:00am-2:00pm. Please arrive at your leisure to enjoy hot food and non-alcoholic refreshments, and an opportunity to share stories about your time spent with Pauline.

The family gives a special thank you to the nurses and care staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, and the care staff that have become her friends at Aspire Senior Living.