Donald Polzin

Donald Polzin, 96, of Des Moines, passed away quietly on Friday, January 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Don was born on November 30, 1927 to Alford and Lillian (Danielson) Polzin in Cadott, Wisconsin. He attended high school in Cadott and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin majoring in agriculture and mechanical engineering, His time at the University of Wisconsin was interrupted for a time due to being drafted into the Army Corps of Engineers and serving in the Korean war. On November 26, 1955 Don married Darlene Pope.

Don was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He received recognition from the United States Congress for his work organizing a slide show of his photos from his time In the Korean War Conflict. Don took his 35mm slides to the Camp Dodge, Iowa Gold Star Military Museum, where they set up and played a slide show in the public military museum.

Don worked at John Deere for many years as a professional mechanical agricultural engineer. He was very proud to have created many patents for John Deere. Some are still in use today. He was also proud to say that he has one personal patent that Is still on file. Don also had patented the original fit-in-your shirt pocket automatic fish hook setters, fishamatic & ice-fishamatic. Don had a talent for thinking outside the box, and was a creator and innovator.

After retirement Don and Darlene spent two years serving in the Peace Corps in the South Pacific. In his free time Don enjoyed fishing, hunting and being an outdoorsman. He made some great jerky, and everyone loved his recipes. Those who knew him would remember his quick wit and ability to make others giggle.

Don is survived by his wife, Darlene; children, Dan Polzin, Pamela (Russ) Schroeder, Gregg (Susy) Polzin, and Michael Polzin; grandchildren, Jenifer, (Joe), Melissa (Erik), Brian (Jessica), Alex (Ellen), Molly (Wes), Ben, Jack (Haley), and Jacob (Alexa); and 11 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Clayton, brothers Raymond and Lloyd, and his parents.

No services are planned at this time and Don has donated his body to the University of Iowa College of Medicine. The family extends a gratitude of thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and the Hospice at Home team for the wonderful care they provided Don.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Greater Des Moines Habitat For Humanity (95 University Avenue Suite 1, Des Moines Iowa, 50314, 515-471-8686) In Donalds name.