Mercedes Poklasny's Obituary
Mercedes Poklasny, age 90, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, December 20, 2015 at Aurora Medical Center in Oshkosh. Merc was born June 26, 1925, in Marshfield, WI. She was the only daughter along with seven brothers born to August and Catherine (Jungwirth) Panske. Her brother Jerry always said kiddingly, “She was the thorn among the roses”.
She married Norman Poklasny, “the boy across the street,” on May 31, 1947, at St. Peters Catholic Church, Oshkosh. He preceded her in death in 1995. Together they had seven children: Cathy (Chuck) Lukas, Appleton; Nancy (Bill) Timms, Oshkosh; Phillip (Julie) Poklasny, Oshkosh; Susan (Bill) Varga, Stevens Point; Michael Poklasny (Mike Kahl), Oshkosh; Lee (Sally) Poklasny, Oshkosh; and Barbara (Robin) Cundy, Oshkosh. After raising her family she enjoyed working at the telephone company for a number of years.
Merc’s joy and happiness came from her grandchildren. She was blessed with 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also loved shopping, the Christmas season, cooking and baking. She was well-known for her amazing rye bread and visitors never left without a loaf of bread, plate of brownies or Mason jar of Grandma’s chicken soup or chili. Her family called it “food for the body and spirit.” She had a great smile, a loving heart and strongly cared for her family.She was also a life long member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Mercedes was preceded in death by her parents August and Catherine Panske; six brothers, Sylvester, Arnold, Jim, Jerry, Vince and Tony; in-laws Eleanor and George Poklasny; sisters-in-law Betty Poklasny, Mary Panske, Lorraine Panske, Grace Allen Panske and Opal Panske; Dorothy Utteck (family friend); and one infant great-grandchild. She is survived by one brother, Raymond (Barb) Panske, Oshkosh; sister-in-law Jane Panske, Oshkosh; and her very special cousin, Mary Kriha, Oshkosh; and many nieces and nephews.
Merc’s family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at the Aurora Hospital Emergency Room, ICU,2 West Inpatient Unit, and the Aurora Hospice program for the loving care they provided.
Celebration of Life for Mercedes will be held on Monday, December 28, at 11:00 AM at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church (Sacred Heart worship site), 519 Knapp St., Oshkosh, with the Reverend William VandeKreeke officiating. Inurnment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Family and friends may call at the Church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the hour of services.
In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established.
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