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.

Condolences

1. Janet Bauer Simpson March 6, 2025, at 4:57pm

   So sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Mary when we were growing up in Durand. May she rest in peace and God's love.

2. Kimberly Lund March 5, 2025, at 11:36pm

   My heart goes out to all, but especially Tony. May she soar high and fly Free. Condolences, love & prayers

3. Julie Kavee March 3, 2025, at 4:41pm

   My dear sweet Aunt Mary. Growing up we spent many weeks at your home. I always felt wrapped in your warmth and love and well fed, especially with wonderful cookies and baked goods! Always a smile on your face, kind words and fun activities. You are forever in my heart. My deepest condolences to all the family, especially my dear Polzer cousins.

4. Patti Blount February 25, 2025, at 2:44pm

   I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Mary. Sympathy to the family during this difficult time. She was a nice lady to chat with at church and the Library.

5. Rita Gruber February 25, 2025, at 11:36am

   So sorry for your loss.

6. Lisa Bien-Sinz February 25, 2025, at 10:22am

   Deeply sorry to hear of Mary's passing. Our heartfelt sympathies to the Polzer and Lieffring families. Mary was always such a kind and gentle soul and a dear friend to our Aunt Carol Bien. On behalf of Ron Bien and family, please know that we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. May sweet Mary rest in peace.

7. Charles Bauer February 24, 2025, at 6:01pm

   Whenever I visited Mary's house, i always learned some new fun thing that interested me, and I don't know how she does it but she seems to know what makes a person tick. And I have never left her home without having such wonderful food, and plenty of it! I'm sure her family takes comfort in the knowing she can finally rest and take in spectacular views. I wish her family the ability to cope with their loss.
   Chuck Bauer

8. Shelley Weber February 24, 2025, at 1:09pm

   My sincere condolences to Mary’s family and extended loved ones. Mary was a great lady and loved by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, so sorry for your loss.

9. Dick and Ruth Doughty February 23, 2025, at 7:37pm

   So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Sympathies to the Polzer and Lieffring families.

10. Carrie Kallstrom February 23, 2025, at 11:15am

    Please accept my condolences.
    Mary was genuinely the sweetest and the most kindhearted lady. She would do anything for anybody.
    May she rest in peace.

11. Dr Phil Hanson February 22, 2025, at 5:28pm

    Mary will be remembered and missed for her kindness and giving spirit for people and her cat companions. I cherish the memories I experienced, amazing stories, helping with her feline friends, “Mama Kitty” and perhaps her favorite, a big black cat “Big Boy”. My favorite gift from Mary will always be James Harriot’s “Cat Stories”. Some day will be a chapter of cat stories in my veterinary memoirs.
    Her life’s love of live, people, and animals is exemplified in the phrases from the hymn by Cecil Frances Alexander,

    All things bright and beautiful,
    All creatures great and small,
    All things wise and wonderful,
    The Lord God made them all.”

    Rest in Peace,
    Mary & Big Boy

12. Christa February 22, 2025, at 2:14pm

    The world has lost a really good women. Mary was always looking outward to see who she could help make their life a little brighter. I believe her deep faith and private prayers will follow her and bear great fruit for the Kingdom of God.

13. Kim and Lynette Wagenbach February 22, 2025, at 8:09am

    May Mary rest in peace!

14. Lynn & Kelly Coulson February 21, 2025, at 12:39pm

    Deepest condolences to everyone in the family! What a cherished and lovely lady Mary was! I have wonderful memories of Mary from early childhood. Whenever I would see her, she always took the time to ask about everyone in our family. She truly cared about people. May Mary rest in peace!

15. Bruce Lamm February 20, 2025, at 8:11pm

    So sorry to learn of Mary's passing. My deepest heart felt sympathies go out to the Lieffring and Polzer families. Rest in peace Lefty, with God at your side, forever in heaven. ❤️

16. Joe and Jan Drier February 20, 2025, at 5:28pm

    Our Deepest Sympathy to the Polzer Family!

17. Doshie Grey February 20, 2025, at 11:40am

    Our sympathies to all the family. I haven’t seen Mary for years but remember her sweet and soft nature. regardless of hardships in her life always a smile on her face. God truly has another Angle.

18. Michael A Smith February 19, 2025, at 3:58pm

    So sorry for loss ! Sending hugs and cherish all the memories !

19. Jenny Tulip February 19, 2025, at 1:11pm

    My deepest sympathies - Mary was one of the most kind hearted person I knew - such a beautiful lady who will be dearly missed.

20. Jessi Annis February 19, 2025, at 12:42pm

    My sympathies to all who knew Mary. She was a kind and loving lady. May you find peace and comfort in all the good memories.

21. Larry and Carol Prissel February 19, 2025, at 12:23pm

    Mary was a kind, loving lady always wanting to help others. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest sympathy to the Family

22. Trudi Lane February 19, 2025, at 12:16pm

    Deepest condolences to the entire family. Mary is a beautiful soul who brought me great comfort and kindness. I know she is smiling down from heaven.

23. Keith & Donna Jones February 19, 2025, at 8:27am

    Our sympathy to the family.

24. Marlene Zimmer February 19, 2025, at 8:03am

    My sympathy to you Marge at the loss of your sister.

25. Corey Binkowski February 18, 2025, at 9:02pm

    My deepest sympathy to all of you, may her memories live in your hearts forever,I'm so sorry for your loss

26. Sandy Wayne February 18, 2025, at 8:53pm

    Condolences to the family. Spent a lot of time at her house growing up. She will be missed by many ❤️

27. Monica and Dallas Hetiman February 18, 2025, at 8:47pm

    Prayers for all the family with our deepest sympathy! Mary was so filled with holiness and grace that I am already asking her to intercede for intentions!
    Mary Margaret pray for us!

28. Kay Noll February 18, 2025, at 8:46pm

    So, sorry for your loss. She was always friendly. My Sympathy!

29. Steve Polzer February 18, 2025, at 8:43pm

    Going to miss Aunt Mary. She was a sweet, kind and great person that always put a smile on your face.

30. Heidi Iverson February 18, 2025, at 8:23pm

    Mary was one of the kindest and most beautiful souls I have ever met. She was a wonderful neighbor, giving individual, and faithful person. She will be missed dearly.

31. Kathy Hutter-Messier February 18, 2025, at 8:10pm

    Prayers for the Polzer family

32. Denise Fetzer February 18, 2025, at 8:02pm

    Mary's light always shines through her heart and smile

33. Fr Bosco February 18, 2025, at 7:55pm

    “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Mary. Her kindness, laughter, unwavering support , silence, hard work, commitment, and innocent SMILE, FAITH meant the good , great Catholic to me. The memories we shared will always be cherished, and her presence in my life was truly a blessing. Though she is no longer here, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved . Rest in peace, Mary —you will be deeply missed but never forgotten in my Priestly Life.” Praying for you.

    Fr Bosco

34. Jim and Marge Schiefelbein February 18, 2025, at 7:32pm

    Our heartfelt sympathy to Tony and family. Another beautiful soul off to heaven. We often think of the time with Tony and Mary on the Mississippi when we almost lost the boat…wonderful memories.

35. Donna and Dick Karshbaum February 18, 2025, at 7:24pm

    You All Have our Deepest Sympathy, Mary was a Amazing Woman,Prayers and Hugs To the Family ????????❤️????????

36. Ann Adler February 18, 2025, at 5:58pm

    I want to give my condolences to the family. I loved Mary. She was kind patient and a great listener. She had a contagious smile and was always so grateful for anything you did. We will miss you Mary. Rest in peace wonderful lady!

37. John and Judy Parr February 18, 2025, at 5:48pm

    Our prayers and thoughts are with you. She was a wonderful person

38. Nancy Wayne February 18, 2025, at 5:43pm

    Mary was so sweet and kind to everyone and will be missed. My sympathy to the family.

39. Pete Adler February 18, 2025, at 5:34pm

    Our sincere condolences to the Polzer family, Mary was a beautiful soul, we were lucky to have known her, and have her as a great neighbor, growing up. The Adler’s

40. Kris Schlosser February 18, 2025, at 5:12pm

    My heart goes out to the family .

41. Richard Janice Bates February 18, 2025, at 5:09pm

    Our deepest sympathy to Mary's family. She was a beautiful and kind lady! ❤️

42. Jen and Chris February 18, 2025, at 5:08pm

    I am so sorry to all of you.Im gonna miss our daily chats at the grocery store.

43. Calla February 18, 2025, at 4:37pm

    I'm so sorry to see this. Loved her dearly! Mary helped me out a few times. I'm sad!

44. John and Patty Wayne February 18, 2025, at 4:34pm

    Our Heartfelt Sympathy goes out to you and your family

    Her obituary was a true tribute to who she was sweet. Humble, Caring person, I am blessed to have known her.

45. Todd February 18, 2025, at 4:24pm

    Tony and family, so sorry for your loss it's never easy. She has her wings and is pain free. Todd

46. Kathy Lee February 18, 2025, at 4:18pm

    My sympathy

47. Cheryl mcmahon February 18, 2025, at 4:07pm

    My sympathy to Mary's family. She was a wonderful person, the neighborhood will not be the same, going to miss her,

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