Edward Polz

Ed was born on March 11, 1925 in Hochweis, Czechoslovakia to Jack and Francine Polz. In the midst of WW2 he and his family were forcefully evacuated to Germany, where he worked at a migrant dairy farm, and had many stories about that time in his life that he told to family and friends. Some stories included learning 7 languages from his fellow workers, being captured at a Russian checkpoint (and escaping by bribing an officer with his clean clothes), and warning of incoming bombs in his town by ringing the church bell. On November 2, 1947 he was married to Stefania Greger in Einbeck, Germany. Together, along with their young son Gerry, they came to Canada in March of 1949, settling in Fort Frances. Ed started here with nothing, he didn’t speak the language and didn’t have a dime in his pocket, but he soon found work. He was very handy and picked up work with Christiansen Construction, helping build St. Mary’s Church, Rainycrest and the 52’ Wing of the hospital. His strong work ethic was noticed by the Grey Nuns and he was hired to do maintenance at the hospital full time. He worked hard, earning his Stationary Engineer papers and retiring as the Maintenance Supervisor after 35 years. Ed loved to tinker and was often called on to fix watches, clocks, elevators and everything in between. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, blueberry picking and listening to his grandson play the piano. His daughter Christine lived at home with him most of her life and he was an excellent caregiver. When she moved to Rainycrest he visited her daily, joining her for meals and activities. He enjoyed conversing with anyone and everyone, and especially enjoyed telling them his fascinating stores. He will be missed dearly.

He was predeceased by his parents; wife Stefania and daughter Christine.

Ed leaves behind his son Gerry and wife Mary of Fort Frances, ON; grandson Raymond of Montreal; sisters-in-law Irene Nolte, Pauline Schnieder and Helen Forsterling and their families of Germany. He will be greatly missed by his faithful companion Koko.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1093 Barton Street, Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 5N3.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.