Rolland (Rollie) C. Polakoski Jr
Rolland (Rollie) C. Polakoski Jr., 63, of Fond du Lac, passed away peacefully in his children’s arms on December 24, 2024, at St. Agnes Hospital.
He was born on November 7, 1961, in Fond du Lac, the son of Rolland (Rollie) Sr. and Jean Polakoski. He graduated from Ripon High School and served in the National Guard shortly after.
At 17, Rollie fell in love with Lori Welsch. They were married for 35 years. Lori gave him his three most significant gifts in life: his children, Ryan, Tyler, and Reagan.
Growing up, Rollie had a passion for sports trading cards. He followed this passion in his career by selling trading cards through his company, Supplies R’ Us, for 27 years until he sold his company. He then became a salesman for Southern Hobby. Rollie loved the challenge of sales and excelled in his profession.
Rollie passed on his love for sports to his children. As they grew up, you would find Rollie at the Blue Line Ice Center, the Woodworth Baseball Fields, the Fond du Lac Soccer Complex, or Fruth Field to cheer them on and support them.
Later in life, Rollie met Jen. They loved to spend time in Texas and became snowbirds for the last few years of his life. Rollie enjoyed his time in Mission, Texas, with their two dogs, Charlie and Cooper. He adored basking in the warm weather and not paying state income taxes.
His friends and family knew Rollie as frugal and as a penny pincher. Rollie’s heart behind his frugalness was always to allow him to display generosity to his family and friends.
Rollie was diagnosed with cancer in 2023. As a result of his illness, on April 8, 2023, the doctors told him that he would have just 24 to 48 hours to live. Thankfully, his outlook vastly improved. He ended up passing away from pneumonia. Family and friends have cherished these last 626 ‘bonus’ days with Rollie.
He is survived by his partner Jen Heilmann, his Mother Jean Polakoski, his father Rolland (Cheryl) Polakoski, son Ryan (Stephanie) Polakoski, son Tyler (Megan) Polakoski, and daughter Reagan (Jacob Elmo) Polakoski, one grandchild: Lincoln Polakoski. One sister Kay (Patrick) Walsh, and one brother Randy (Bridget Engel).
VISITATION: The family will greet friends and relatives from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 East Division Street, Fond du Lac.
SERVICE: Funeral Services will be held at 6:00 PM on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at Zacherl Funeral Home, with Rollie’s nephew Daniel Degner officiating. A meal will follow at Edgewood Community Church-Fond du Lac, 609 Thomas Street.