Waldemar Pollee

Waldemar “Wally” Pollee, 83, of Stevensville, passed away Monday, April 21, 2008 at his home. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph with Rev. Rick Blumenberg officiating. Memorials may be made to the First Church of God. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Pollee was born October 29, 1924 in Essen, Germany. On December 31, 1947, he married the former Marianne Stock in Huels, Germany. Wally spent many hours studying, and obtained his Masters Building Degree in Germany. He was an entrepreneur, always willing to take a chance or seek a new opportunity. In July of 1953, he moved his family to Benton Harbor, and Southwest Michigan became his home. It was just a short time later that he founded Pollee Masonry Construction which he operated until 1987. Wally worked for the next 10 years for Fiskars Construction as a consultant & estimator. There are many, many churches, restaurants, & other buildings in Southwest Michigan that stand as a tribute to his masonry talents. Wally’s other love was that of music. He was able to play 17 different instruments. Wally was a long-time pianist & organist for the First Church of God, and served as substitute for many other churches in the area. Wally cherished the time he spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew & loved him. Wally is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marianne; his daughter Angelika (Jack) Lewis of Chelsea, MI; his son Dean (MaryAnn) Pollee of Mattawan, MI; four grandchildren-Stephanie Fanslau, Samantha, Mitchell, & Adrianna Pollee. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Arthur Pollee & his sister Ilse Mueller.