Harold Polzer

MONONA-Harold J. Polzer, age 85, a longtime resident of Monona, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Helen. Harold was born on Feb. 9, 1927, in Casco, the son of Harry and Laura Polzer. After serving his country in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, Harold enrolled in the Wisconsin Business School. He then joined Oscar Mayer as corporate employment manager; during his 37 year career he had assignments in their Chicago and Philadelphia plants, as well as Madison. He was instrumental in setting up the first employee assistance program at the company. This program is now copied by other corporations to assist in dealing with alcoholism, drug use, and provide general counseling. After retirement, Harold did extensive consulting in this area including two trips to work with business organizations in Russia. Harold served the community of Monona as library board president, the public safety commissioner, and a Monona school board member for 19 years, many of those years as president. He was also a proud member of the VFW, Elks Club and Lions Club. Harold is survived by his children, Mark (Claudia) Polzer of Medina, Ohio, Steve (Patt) Polzer of Bella Vista, Ark., Mary (Ted) Rogers of Phoenix, Ariz., Anne (Tom) Rothfuss of Rochester, N.Y., and Christopher (Pam) Polzer of Poynette. He will also be missed by his 11 grandchildren, Michael (Jennifer) Polzer, Jenna Polzer, John (Sarah) Polzer, Katie Polzer and Marie Polzer, Lindsey (Mike) Alvarado, Matthew Rogers, Jeff Ras, Alliy Gilles and Paige and Tony Polzer; as well as three great-grandchildren, Emmett Polzer, Claire Polzer, and Madison Alvarado. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 with Fr. Bart Timmerman presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors being conducted by the Madison Area Veterans Firing Squad. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 3 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a scripture service beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Polzer Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Monona State Bank, 6430 Bridge Rd, Monona, WI 53713. Cemetery: Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with Military Honors being conducted by the Madison Area Veterans Firing Squad. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Polzer Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Monona State Bank, 6430 Bridge Rd, Monona, WI 53713. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr. on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 from 3 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. with a scripture service beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 with Fr. Bart Timmerman presiding.