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James J. Polzin, 82

| January 4, 2022 1:00 AM

James J. Polzin, 82 years old, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, at the Albuquerque VA Hospital, Albuquerque, N.M.

James was born in Beaver Dam, Wis., on Nov. 20, 1939. He was the son of Vernice (Wegener) Polzin and Albert E. Polzin, Jr.

James attended Beaver Dam High School. Upon graduation in 1958, he entered the United States Air Force where he proudly served. He trained in Denver, Colo., to be a Munitions and Maintenance Specialist and Special Weapons Emergency Systems. He was stationed in Colorado, Alaska, Montana and Washington. While in Washington, James met, and married Linda Hightower and they had two daughters, Monique Siedschlag and Rebecca Koltz.

Upon honorable discharge from the Air Force, James and his wife moved to Beaver Dam, Wis. James was employed with Malleable Iron Range Company, where he worked his way up to being the Chief Corporate Engineer. When the company was sold to Metalware Corporation, he held the position of General Manager and Vice-President of Monarchware operations. James’ passion was designing and building and during this time he established Polzin & Associates, a construction, engineering and architectural company. He has designed numerous commercial and residential buildings in the state of Wisconsin.

This included one of the highlights in his career which was the Algoma, Wis., Board Walk project connecting the Algoma Marina with the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center building, which he designed. James and countless volunteers gave their time, energy and money to complete the project, earning them a 1st place National Award for design and appearance.

In I990 James purchased Hi-Tech Graphics, Inc. a silk-screening and plastic injection molding company, located on Lake Michigan, where he was owner and CEO from 1990-2002.

During this time James developed a love for boating and fishing on Lake Michigan. He earned his Seaman-Charter Operator in 1989 and his Pilot/Marine License in 1991. Also, in 1991 James completed the requirements to assist the United States Coast Guard. In addition, he served as the Harbor Master on the Harbor Commission. He was happiest when out on the cool waters of Lake Michigan waiting for a fish on the line.

James and Linda retired in 2002 and moved to the beautiful mountains of Idaho. Upon moving to Idaho, James designed and built their house. He continued to work part-time with Polzin & Associates doing residential architecture.

A lifelong Catholic, church was an important part of his life. He served on the St. Pius X Council and the Columbarium Committee, where he was instrumental in designing and implementing the construction of the St. Pius X Columbarium. James was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and Catholic War Veterans.

James believed strongly in volunteer work, giving back to his church and community. He served on numerous boards, commissions and committees in Wisconsin and in Idaho.

James loved the outdoors. He hunted in the woods of Wisconsin, the western United States and Africa. He passed this love of the outdoors on to his children. He always said he was born 100 years too late. He was a mountain man.

James was a man of many talents. He had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and he has accomplished much in his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Vernice Polzin; three sisters, Charlotte, Kathy and Mary; and three brothers, Richard, David, and Donald. James is survived by his wife, Linda Polzin, his daughters, Monique Siedschlag (Mark) and Rebecca Koltz (Dan), and three siblings Chuck Polzin (Karin), Debbie Carte (Shawn) and Jeff Polzin (Jenny). He has five grandchildren: Erika Tuffli, Ethan Siedschlag (Erin), Abigail Koltz-Martin (Taylor), Caleb Koltz (Madisyn), and Seth Koltz. He has two great-grandchildren: Margot Siedschlag (Ethan) and Rhiannon Tuffli (Erika). Sister-in-law Gloria Jennings and brother-in-law Louie Jennings. He also has numerous nieces and nephews. He loved them all dearly. A memorial service and mass will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in February of 2022. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Pius X Columbarium.