Bernice P. Polum, 98

Bernice P. Polum, née Hojnacki, age 98, of Plover, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2025, at the Portage County Health Care Center in Stevens Point, surrounded by her loving family.

Bernice was born in December 1926 in Plover, daughter of the late Vincent and Lucille (née Smaglik) Hojnacki. She attended area schools before staying home to work on the family farm. For a short time, she worked for the Worth Company.

On Oct. 11, 1947, Bernice became Mrs. Gregory J. Sankey at St. Bronislava Catholic Church. The two welcomed four children together and were blessed with 22 years of marriage until Gregory’s passing on Dec. 25, 1969. Bernice was a proud homemaker, working diligently to raise their children, maintain the household, and work on the family farm.

After Gregory’s passing, Bernice remarried. On Sept. 29, 1973, she was united in marriage to Norbert Polum at St. Bronislava Catholic Church. Bernice and Norbert enjoyed polka dancing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. They shared more than 41 years together until Norbert’s passing in March 2015.

Throughout her life, Bernice found great enjoyment in taking care of her house and family. She loved gardening, listening and dancing to polka music, riding her golf cart, and trying her luck at lottery scratch-offs. Above all else, she cherished her time with family, doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her homemade bread, pierogies, and paczkis were always made with love. She was also strong in her Catholic faith and found peace in saying the Rosary daily, a tradition she held close to her heart throughout her life.

Bernice is survived by her sons, Ben (Dolly) and George (Louise) Sankey, both of Plover; her daughters, Arlene (Tom) Warzynski of Amherst and Sandy (Randy) Weir of Iola; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Gregory; her second husband, Norbert; three brothers, Raymond, Walter, and Stanley; three sisters, Esther, Margaret, and Kathryn; and one infant sister.

The family would like to thank her devoted caregivers, Jaden, Ronda, Amanda, Dana, and Linda, whose compassion and dedication meant so much. They also deeply appreciate the support of the Portage County Health Care Center staff.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at St. Bronislava Catholic Church, 3200 Plover Road, Plover. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at St. Bronislava’s Parish Cemetery.

Shuda Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.