BioA: Polnaszek, Mr./Mrs. Thomas (Gold – 1969)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Polnaszek, Brockman, Bogumill, Pudlo, Kutsche, Dober, Strzok, Slatke, Hule

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 10 Jul 1969

Polnaszek, Mr./Mrs. Thomas (Gold – 24 JUN 1969)

A Thorp couple, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Polnaszek celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, June 29, 1969. They were married June 24, 1919 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church at Thorp, where their anniversary high Mass at 11:00 a.m. took place Sunday, the Rev. Francis Brockman, pastor, officiating.

An anniversary dinner took place after the Mass at St. Hedwig's dining Hall, with 230 relatives and friends present. Tables were decorated with yellow mums, with the main table have the traditional cake with "Golden 50." George Polnaszek, the couple's son, acted as Master of Ceremonies, recalling events of the past. Special honor was then given to the oldest son, Edward and his wife Charlotte, who were also celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. A reception was held from 3 to 7 after the dinner, at the American Legion Club rooms.

For the celebration, Mrs. Polnaszek had an orchid corsage and Mr. Polnaszek, a yellow carnation boutonniere.

Thomas A. Polnaszek and the former Elizabeth Bogumill were married before the Rev. Fr. Pudlo. They farmed in the Town of Withee for 11 years and in 1930 moved to Thorp (Clark Co., Wis.), where they owned and operated the Club Tavern and Restaurant. They added to this by building a bowling alley in 1939. They operated the Club until 1951, and then sold it to their son, Edward. Mr. Polnaszek then had an insurance agency for 14 years, which he sold in 1965 and then retired.

Mr. Polnaszek was born December 9, 1896 to Paul and Jadwiga Polnaszek in Withee Township. He was educated there and farmed with his parents until 1917, when he enlisted in the Navy. He had been very active in the American Legion and held many offices at the local, county and state levels. He was a charter member of Thorp Lion's Club, and served as Zone Chairman in District 27C. He also served as a Supervisor on the Clark County Board for many years. He also served as Undersheriff of Clark County under Sheriff Ray Kutsche. He is a member of the P.N.A. Holy Name Society, and the Local Council of the Knights of Columbus, served as State chairman, "Design for 69." His hobbies are hunting and fishing, and still enjoys good health.

Mrs. Polnaszek was born October 27, 1898 at Thorp. Her parents were Joseph and Mary Bogumill. She received her education at Thorp and clerked in the Farmers Store, which her parents owned and operated. She has always been an active hand on the farm, and also in the tavern, restaurant and bowling alley business. She is an active member of St. Bernard's Christian Mothers Society, and the American Legion Auxiliary. But her greatest love is playing cards.

Mr. and Mrs. Polnaszek are the parents of four sons, Edward, Thorp; George, Mequon, Richard, Abbotsford, and William of Union Grove; one daughter, Mrs. Edward (Geraldine) Dober of Houston, Texas. There are 24 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Of the original wedding members present were: Thomas Bogumill Florida; Peter Polnaszek, Chicago; Mrs. Nick (Jenny) Strzok, Gilman, and Edward Bogumill, Thorp. Mrs. Helen (Bogumill) Slatke of Milwaukee was unable to attend, and Mrs. John (Sophie) Hule died early this year.

Helping celebrate were friends and relatives from Texas, Florida, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Union Grove, Madison, Marinette, Green Bay, South Bend, New York, Pennsylvania and Gilman.