Mary M Polzer
Mary Margaret (Lieffring) Polzer of Durand passed away at home surrounded by her children, on February 15, 2025, after a too brief and courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer.
Mary was born and raised in Durand with her three brothers and two sisters. She loved to bake with her mother Dolly, the most memorable being poppy rolls. She had many life-long friends she made while at St. Mary’s and at the Durand High School, she was a friend to all. In school, Mary earned the nickname “Lefty” because she was so good at batting left-handed. She enjoyed being a cheerleader at St. Mary’s and at DHS. She was also a baton girl for the Drum and Bugel Corp. Shortly after graduating, Mary married Anton John Polzer on November 12, 1962, in Durand. Together they had five children whom Mary loved dearly - Elizabeth, John, Christine, Jennifer, and Karl.
Mary worked hard her entire life to support and care for her family. She meticulously cleaned homes and businesses for over 50 years. She also worked at St. Mary’s School Lunch Program for over 20 years. Many students recently sent her homemade cards with their appreciation for Mary’s warm smile, kind words, and humbleness – they called her “the best lunch lady ever!” Mary had a deep Faith, which guided her with unrelenting kindness and compassion. She was so loving to all people and cared deeply for all animals. Mary will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity, selflessness, nurturing and compassionate ways as well as her quick wit.
Mary is survived by her husband Tony, her children Elizabeth, John, Christine, Jennifer, and Karl (Kayla). Her beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Grace, Brayden, Bristol, Karsen, and Kamden. Sisters Jean Goodnough, and Marge (Tony) Binkowski, brother Mike Lieffring, brothers-in-laws Dave (Kris) Polzer and Rick (Denise) Polzer and many dear nieces and nephews, friends, and family.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Gilles and Edith “Dolly” Lieffring, parents-in-law, Anton and Helen Polzer, brothers Pat and Tom Lieffring, brother-in-law Roy Goodnough, brothers-in-law Chuck and Paul Polzer, sister-in-law Nancy Polzer, dear niece Sally Ann (Binkowski) Kasten, as well as many cousins and her beloved pets.
We find solace knowing that Mary is now experiencing the Joy of Heaven.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Misty Levenske, whom Mary considered a daughter, for all the loving comfort and care she gave to Mom throughout her life, especially at the end.
Memorial Mass will be 11:30AM Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Durand with Rev. John Zweber officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.