November 1, 2016 at 9:18 a.m.
Polzin celebrates 102nd birthday
Polzin celebrates 102nd birthday
By Kayla Thomason-
Erv Polzin was born Oct. 27, 1914, in Omro, to "hard-working, God-fearing German parents," his family said.
His parents moved young Polzin and his siblings to Rhinelander where he has been a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church since he was a child.
A member of the "Greatest Generation," Polzin fought in World War II in the Pacific and worked in a CCC camp in western Wisconsin during the Great Depression.
He worked for Coca Cola and then Daniels Manufacturing, now known as Printpack.
Polzin and his wife, Agnes, raised five children and he shared his hobbies with them.
When he retired he continued to do the things he loved, such as fishing, hunting, trapping, golfing and raising apple trees, according to the family.
He continues to love nature and takes pleasure in watching the wildlife outside his window.
"I have enjoyed going fishing on Boom Lake on a pontoon boat this summer," he said. "Also enjoy watching the variety of birds that come to the feeder outside my window and seeing the deer play and chase in the yard."
Polzin attributes his longevity to eating a lot of fish, however genetics appear to have played a part in his more than a century of life.
His oldest sister lived to be 102 1/2 years old, his brother was 97 years old when he passed away and his youngest sister is 95.
The staff at Country Terrace wanted to make sure Polzin's day was special.
"Happy Birthday" balloons were tied to his chair and banners decorated the entryway to the kitchen.
At noon, surrounded by friends, he enjoyed a sandwich, corn, coffee and a pineapple-upside-down cake complete with numbered candles.
In the evening his family came with a cake to celebrate his special day.
"I am looking forward to the days that follow this one, visiting with my family and listening to the church service on the radio on Sundays with my daughter, Rita," he said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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