Carol E. Polka

Carol E. Polka was one of those individuals that had a zest for life and wanted to impart her knowledge onto her students, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol died Thursday, May 18th, at the age of 88, at Patriot Place Assisted Living in Berlin, Wisconsin. She was born on August 13, 1928 in Montello, Wisconsin, to Gerald and Anna Collins. Carol graduated from St. Joseph Academy and achieved her graduate degree at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. She married Chet Polka on August 9, 1952 in Stevens Point, began her teaching career in Wausau, and continued as an elementary school educator in the Parochial School System in Berlin. Carol taught various subjects such as English, Penmanship and Spelling, long before there was a convenience called “spell checker.” She was a member of All Saints Catholic Church in Berlin, where she was involved in numerous activities, most notably singing in the choir for 55 years. First and foremost, Carol was a teacher, a mentor and a friend to many. Her main hobby was the card game of Bridge. She loved the game – playing, teaching and being a student of the game herself. Singles, couples, any type of bridge variation – Carol was involved. She assisted at the Berlin Senior Center for many years, as a bridge player and teacher. She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Anna Collins, her husband, Chet Polka, brother, Bernard Collins; sisters, Phyllis Przekurat, Grace Boldig, Sr. Mary Ellen Collins and Geraldine Phillip. She is survived by her children, Dave (Candy) Polka of Grafton, Anne (Mark) Swanson of Manitowoc, and Sara (Todd) Nault of Green Bay. She is further survived by grandchildren, Koren Gierach, Melissa, Joshua (Sol) and Matthew Swanson, Richard and Jeff Nault, and four great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, May 25th, from 9:00 – 10:30AM at the John R. Wiecki – Skipchak Funeral Home in Berlin, Wisconsin. Following the visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00AM at All Saints Catholic Church in Berlin, followed by Interment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, also in Berlin. Donations and memorials are appreciated to All Saints Catholic Parish, or ThedaCare Medical Center, both of Berlin. Carol's family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the wonderful staff at Juliette Manor, Patriot Place and Heartland Hospice for the care and compassion shown to mom.

Carol E. Polka

August 13, 1928 - May 18, 2017