Obituary: Donald M. Polster

June 16, 1939~October 1, 2022

Donald M. Polster, age 83, died unexpectedly at Evergreen Retirement Community on Saturday, October 1, 2022. He was born to the late Martin and Dorothy (Stephenson) Polster on June 16, 1939 in Fish Creek, WI. Don (nicknamed) “Bud” by his older sisters, grew up on his family’s farm in Fish Creek. He went to UW Madison for a 16 week agricultural course that he earned through FFA. He married Wanda Kile on October 15, 1960 in Oshkosh. Don worked as a dairy farmer early on then as a machinist at Leach Company for over 30 years. Don loved to spend time working in his garden; Don was a self-declared master gardener and used his knowledge of agriculture to grow robust vegetables and amazing flowers that he proudly displayed in beds and boxes surrounding his home. Don enjoyed the Wisconsin sports teams and rarely missed a televised game. Don cherished his granddaughters and was very proud of the fine young women they became.

Don is survived by his children Melissa (Jeff) Raddatz, Kevin (Susan) Polster, Michelle (Jeff) Jonas, and Melinda Polster; grandchildren Emily Raddatz and Phoebe Polster; brothers Thomas (Carol), Stephen (Caroline), and Mark (Cheryl) Polster; sisters, Sylvia Reinhardt, Alma Bahr, Laura (Arthur) Strege, and Joanne Swenson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by the love of his life, Wanda, his wife of 54 years; a sister, Hertha Polster; and brothers-in-law, Daniel Bahr, and Jim Swenson, and in-laws, Jim and Grace Kile.

A visitation will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes Westside (100 Lake Pointe Dr, Oshkosh) on Thursday, October 6, 2022 from 2PM until 4PM. A service for Don will be held at Zion United Methodist Church (8781 County F, Fish Creek, WI 54212) on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 12:30PM preceded by a short visitation 11AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.