John D. Pollnow, 83, of Browntown, WI passed away on Sunday, February 2nd, in his home surrounded by loved ones after a long courageous battle of cancer. Born February 5,1941, Caledonia, IL, the son of Edward and Lucile (Thompson) Pollnow. John grew up on the farm that is now known as the Pumpkin Patch on route 173, in Caledonia and graduated from Belvidere High School in 1959.
John was a truck driver over the years working for Abbyland in Abbotsford, WI, Carquest in Marshfield, WI, and Monroe Truck, in Monroe, WI where he retired in 2006. He also worked for Rockford Speedway where he met Mark Martin, Rusty Wallace, Dick Trickle and many other famous Nascar drivers. In the 90’s and early 2,000’s he worked Friday nights flagging for Marshfield Speedway in Marshfield, WI and Monster Hall in Unity, WI. Family and friends remember him as an avid race car fan who never missed a Sunday Nascar race.
John kept busy with different side jobs and hobbies, but one he talked most about, and that gave him his greatest joy, was hauling hay & machinery for his son-in-law Cory Bidlingmaier and Tom Bidlingmaier. He enjoyed working outside where you could always find him on a lawn mower or in the skid loader, pulling weeds by his flower bed, in his shop, or down the road at his daughter’s house where he helped with their lawn and farm chores.
John was a member of the Peace Church in Browntown, WI and attended church every Sunday when he could, and was active in the choir as well as attending bible study. John enjoyed being around people, telling stories, or jokes, and making people laugh. He could easily change the mood in a room with his big smile and warm hugs.
John is survived by his wife Nancy Pollnow, daughters Andrea (Paul) Schiebel of Stacy, MN, Paula Culvey of Machesney Park, IL, Step-sons, Scott (Chris) Anderson of Marshfield, WI, Greg Anderson of Belvidere, IL, Step-daughters, Kim (Bryan) Thornton of Brodhead, WI, Jeannette Pollnow of Belvidere, IL, Karen (Eugene) Dwars of Beloit, WI, Jackie Kenkel of Marshfield, WI, Kerrie (Cory) Bidlingmaier of Monroe, WI, 20 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his Parents Edward & Lucille Pollnow, son Charles Pollnow, Grandson Cole Schiebel, and Granddaughter Hailey Kayhart.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Peace Church in Christ of Browntown, with Pastor Scott Cernek officiating. Burial will be held at a later date at Scottish Argyle Cemetery in Caledonia, IL.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the church. Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral Home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.
