WAUWATOSA

Harold J. Pollnow, 90, passed away peacefully Thursday, March 3, 2011, surrounded by family members at the Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mamerta, who passed away Sept. 9, 2004.

He was the dear father of Harold (Frances), Norma (Ken), Sister Sharon CSA, Ralph (Carla), Wayne (Tammy), Keith (Lynne), Margaret (Doug) Edwards and "adopted son" Fred Carsky and proud grandfather of Dean, Scott, Carl, Mark, Barbara, Kristin, Kevin, Ellen, Steve, Elizabeth, Jason, Jen (in heaven), Jamie, Justin, Jacob, Nicholas, Adam, Erica, Audrianna, Christopher, Michael, Jessica, Brian, Joseph, Matthew, Joshua and Casey. He is further survived by 22 great-grandchildren, Nicole, Brian, Nathan, Christine, Katherine, Jacob, Clarissa, Alexis, Charles, Breanna, Gabrielle, Jaiden, Jordan, Peyton, Megan, Leah, Jayde, Dayna, Lillian, Aidyn, Kaydence and Jaxson.

Harold served in the U.S.Army, deployed to the Philippines in 1945. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the Bronze Star.

Harold graduated from Marquette University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1950. He taught English as a substitute teacher at Peckham Public School from September 1947 until January 1949. From September 1949 until June 1961, he was a full-time teacher at Kosciuszko Junior High School. Harold achieved his master’s degree from Marquette on July 3, 1961. In the fall of 1961, he became a vice principal for Lincoln High Comets through the 1971 school year. In September 1971, he was transferred to Washington High School as the assistant principal of the Purgolders, where he enjoyed the final 20 years of his teaching career. Through all that time, he endured 43 1/2 years with Milwaukee Public Schools.

During the last 30 years, he and the family enjoyed many great city conference basketball games. He was considered a "Super Fan" in the stands and was awarded his own striped referee’s shirt. He retired in June 1991 to a life of leisure.

Harold married his true love, Mamerta, on Sept. 13, 1941, and lived in "the barracks" on 62nd and Main. It was a two bedroom, one bathroom unit, that they somehow were able to raise four children (Harold, Norma, Sharon and Ralph). When the fifth child (Wayne) came, they knew it was time to build a bigger house. In March 1953, they moved to a white cape cod on North 94th Street. This is where the last two children (Keith and Margaret) were born. I guess a breakfast of Wheaties was for a champion. I remember this house was very large with four bedrooms and one bathroom for nine people.

Harold worked long, hard hours to provide for all of us. He had a part-time job at Schuster’s downtown, where he worked in the electronic train and toy department. He worked the summer months down at the lakefront for the Milwaukee Public Works Department, cutting grass and running the rental boats at the lagoon. There were many summer days that the family would meet down there for an afternoon picnic or a slide down the steep hill on a cardboard box.

Harold was a founding lifetime member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church. He was president of the Holy Name Society and the Usher Association. You would find him at church unlocking the doors at 4:45 a.m. for the 5:45 a.m. Mass for Father Vint. Harold was also the pitcher for the church softball team, and in his last few seasons, a few of his sons were privileged to have played along side of him.

After Mamerta passed away, Pa stayed at 94th Street until we could convince him that there was much more to do than watching TV and sleeping. His next move was to Brookfield Regency in March 2006. There he played sheepshead, baggo (bean bag game), bowling and too many other events to list. He was so busy you had to almost make an appointment to visit him. Harold always commented, "Why did I wait so long to come here." He had a great time there until his Parkinson’s got the best of him and needed to look at the nursing homes. After another stay at St. Joseph’s Hospital in January 2009, he moved to his final resting place at the Lutheran Home on 76th Street and North Avenue. Monday and Friday afternoon bingo games and Tuesday night family bingo was always a treat.

Harold and Mamerta were always attending some sporting event, either for their kids or grandkids. Family games of sheepshead were always on the list of things to do, too. Whether it was instructing a newcomer or collecting his nickel, he always had fun. A common remark was "I didn’t mauer!" He was the proud owner of the sheepshead tournament trophy.

Harold also enjoyed his trips to Las Vegas to visit his oldest son, (Harold Jr.), and his family and maybe a casino or two. Oneida and Potawatomi were also a favorite spot to stop and play his permanent Keyno numbers or three-card poker. Harold also enjoyed attending as many Brewer games as possible. There were times the family would celebrate his birthday at Miller Park with 50 or 60 members on hand.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until the 7 p.m. vigil service Thursday, March 10, at Schramka Funeral Home, 7841 W. Appleton Ave., Milwaukee. Visitation continues from 10:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial Friday, March 11, at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 3930 N. 92nd St. Committal services to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes Retirement Fund, 320 Highway K, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Schramka Funeral Home, 414-464-4040, is serving the family.

"The extra time we had with Pa will forever be remembered knowing that the two of them are once again together."