Anderson Funeral Home
Homeserving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222
Mildred Polinske
Mildred Lucille Polinske, 97 of Osseo, affectionately known as Millie, passed away Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2026, at Marshfield Medical Center in Ladysmith, surrounded by her devoted and loving family.
Millie was born on January 12, 1929, the daughter of Adolph and Lillian (Honadel) Dehnke. Raised alongside her seven siblings on a farm in the town of Otter Creek in Eau Claire County, Millie learned the value of hard work early in life. She attended Hales Corners Country School and later graduated from Fall Creek High School.
Millie was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bears Grass. It was at this very church that she was united in marriage to Vernon "Buck" Polinske on February 19, 1950.
Together, Millie and Buck raised their family and farmed just outside of Fall Creek. In 1989, they moved to their rural home in Osseo. Later in life, Millie moved into the City of Osseo, where she made her home with her son, Dale.
Millie was the true farmer of the family, out of everyone she loved the cows the most. She enjoyed the land and worked tirelessly right alongside Buck and the rest of the family.
She was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Bears Grass, where she dedicated much of her time to the Dorcas Society. Following the church’s closing in 1996, she and Buck joined St. Peter Lutheran Church in Foster.
For 25 years, up until about the age of 90, Millie served as a Foster Grandparent at the Osseo Elementary School through the CESA program. Known affectionately as "Grandma Millie," she began in the Kindergarten class when her grandchildren attended. She continued her career working closely with the speech and language department. Millie touched many generations of children passing through the school district, just as profoundly as they touched hers.
Beyond the farm and school, Millie was an excellent cook and baker, famous for her homemade buns. She had a passion for reading, making good use of the books from the Osseo Public Library and family. Nothing made her happier than gathering with family and friends, especially if it involved a game of cards. She enjoyed being an avid member of the Happy Homemakers Club.
Millie will be dearly missed by so many, especially her children, Mike and Dale Polinske both of Osseo, Jane Thoma of Chippewa Falls; daughter-in-law, Jackie Polinske of Afton, MN; 7 beloved grandchildren, Steve (Maggie) Polinske, Veronica (Nick) Northey, Paul (Jessica) Polinske, Rob Polinske (Sandi Bello), Matthew Vold (Jessiann Coldwell), Karli Vold (Craig Aasen) Jessica (Kari) Olson; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Gordon (Joyce) Dehnke of Sturtevant; sisters, Marge Shong, Vivian Tumm and Donna (Ron) Steinke all of Fall Creek; sister-in-law Chris Dehnke of Atlanta, GA; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Millie will be joyously reunited with her parents, Adolph and Lilly; husband, Vernon; children, Susan, Judy and Jean all in infancy, Dawn Polinske, Doug and Virgil Polinske; son-in-law Mike Thoma; as close as a daughter-in-law, Tammy Thomas; siblings, Gary Dehnke, Phyllis (Ervin) Zimmerman, Dolores (Milton) Jungerberg, and brother-in-laws, Charlie Tumm and Al Shong.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Foster, with Pastor David Knefelkamp officiating. Burial will be in the Trinity Cemetery in Fall Creek.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church (E11770 County Road HH) and one hour prior to services Saturday at the church.
Following the burial, a lunch and gathering will be held at the Augusta Lions Hall (200 E. Lincoln St. Augusta), all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Osseo Public Library and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Foster.
The family would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Marshfield Medical Center in Ladysmith for the excellent care and compassion shown to Millie and her family while she was a patient with them.
Online condolences andersonfhaugusta@yahoo.com
