The angels welcomed Anton “Tony” Polum  on Thursday February 27, 2014 at the age of 90.

Tony arrived just in time to celebrate 68 glorious years with his dear wife Sophie.  He was born at home on June 14, 1923 in Linwood, the son of Steve and Alvina Polum.  He attended John Sims one room schoolhouse in Mill Creek.  He farmed and did local construction before entering the United States Army on April 19, 1944 at Ft. Sheridan, IL.  He served his country as a TEC -4 in Germany, France, and England.

Tony participated in campaigns in Rhineland and Central Europe.  He earned the European- African- Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and American Theater Service Medal.  He was honorably discharged on April 6, 1946 at Camp McCoy, WI.

Tony married Sophie Burclaff on February 26, 1946 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church while on a weekend pass during his enlistment.  The couple settled in Stevens Point, and lived at their Whiting home for over 50 years.  Tony was an over-the-road truck driver first for Joerns and then Gross Trucking.  He retired from Gross in 1983 after 23 years of service.  He was an avid Packers and Brewers fan, enjoyed fishing and deer hunting at the family cabin, listening to Johnny Cash, making wood, tending to his garden, and going to church picnics.  He was truly a people person, always willing to share his blessings with all.  But Tony’s greatest joy was his family and he was always there to support and encourage his four grandchildren.
Tony is survived by two daughters:  Kathleen (Jim) Wilson of Stevens Point and Sandy (Jeff) Herman of Plover. Four grandchildren; Gina Herman (Rob Waters), Plover; Nicole (Tyler) Brehmer, Stevens Point; Matt Wilson, serving in Afghanistan; Luke Wilson, New York. Tony is also survived by 6 brothers: Vincent (Dorothy), Emil (Pat), Richard (Pat), Bobby (Judi), David, all of Stevens Point and Victor (Terry), Cedarburg.  2 sisters: Irene (Dennis) Lepper and Alice (Don) Young both of Plover.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Tony will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday March 3, 2014 at St. Stephen Catholic Church.  Rev. Jerzy Rebacz will officiate. Burial will be in the Guardian Angel Cemetery.  Friends and relatives will gather to share memories on Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday at the Shuda Funeral Chapel – Stevens Point. A general Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM at the funeral home.  Visitation will also be held on Monday from 9:30 – 10:15 AM at the church.

Special heartfelt thanks to Jenny, Nancy, and Rob for their compassion and wonderful care of Dad and to the staff at Heartland Hospice for always being there.  Our family truly thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com