Delores "Tootie" Johns

1930 - 2025

Delores "Tootie" Johns

February 7, 1930 - October 4, 2025

Delores "Tootie" Johns, age 95, passed away on October 4, 2025, in Altoona, Wisconsin.

Delores was born to William and Elizabeth (Rank) Johns on February 7, 1930, in Stanley, Wisconsin. She graduated from Stanley High School in 1947 and then attended cosmetology school in Milwaukee.

She married John H. Polinske on June 6, 1950, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Stanley, Wisconsin. They settled in Chippewa Falls and opened The Beer Den, a tavern on Spring Street which was inspired during a visit to Irvine Park when they drove by the Bear Den. The Beer Den became a popular local spot, known for its lively spirit and not-so-friendly rivalry between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls patrons. Affectionately known as "Tootie," Delores was admired by those who knew her for her spirited nature and independent outlook.

She renovated a building that previously housed a grocery store on Margaret Street in Eau Claire and opened a daycare center called Jack & Jill Nursery. A beloved daycare center in Eau Claire that she ran for nearly 30 years. It wasn't easy for a divorcee raising three children while operating a business in the late 1960's – early 1970's, but her spirited nature and independent outlook carried her through.

Delores was a proud member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin and took great pride in her heritage. She instilled that same pride in her children and grandchildren and spent many summers attending Native American Powwows across the region.

Outside of work, Delores loved cheering on the Green Bay Packers, spending days on the golf course, and expressing her creativity through painting. She loved to garden and taking day trips to the local beach.

Known for her strong values and compassionate heart, Delores had a confident and unwavering belief in fairness and equality. Having proudly voted for John F. Kennedy, she carried throughout her life a deep sense of hope and conviction in the power of kindness and justice–qualities that she would no doubt stand up for in today's world.

Her favorite song, "I hope You Dance," beautifully reflects her spirit-a reminder to live fully, love deeply, and never stop embracing life's moments with courage and grace.

Delores is survived by her children, Pam Danforth, Tina (John) Killey, and Jack (Linda) Polinske. She thoroughly loved her grandchildren, Yon Polinske, Brooke Brown, Keith Bimose Herman, Billy Hanson, Kateri Hanson, and Bella Killey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Jerry Danforth, sisters, Evelyn Johnson and Adeline Fandy; and her brothers, Marvin, Clarence, and William Johns.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior at 10:00 a.m., at Hulke Family Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire. Burial will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Stanley. Friends & Family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.