Gary Pollatz Obituary
Gary was born on May 30, 1935, to Harold and Marcella (Mathis) Pollatz. On September 4, 1954, he married the love of his life Rose Marie Ambrosius. They were blessed beyond belief to share over 71 years together. During those years they welcomed four children: Mike (Lori) Pollatz, Caryn (Daryl) Strauss, Tom Pollatz, Cathy (Pollatz) Divito, 13 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Gary owned and operated Independent Printing in West De Pere until 1979. After selling the business, he and Rose Marie traveled the country in their RV and volunteered their time and talents at several National Parks and numerous charitable organizations. They were most grateful for the four years they spent together managing the Holy Name Retreat House on Chambers Island.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Don Baldwin, sister Pat Turriff, and several treasured sister- and brothers-in-law.
Gary's main goals in life were to be the kind of husband his beloved Rose Marie needed, and to be all he could with the blessings bestowed upon him by the grace of God.
Family and friends may call at Resurrection Catholic Church, 333 Hilltop Dr, Green Bay, WI 54301 on Thursday, January 29, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.
The family wishes to thank Cynthia and all the wonderful caregivers at Unity Hospice for their compassion and excellent care of Gary and family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers and contributions, please write a note, call a loved one, visit someone who may be lonely, or consider a donation to St. John's Homeless Shelter in Gary's name. www.stjohnsgreenbay.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Faith Seehawer
January 30, 2026
In our neighborhood there are many walkers-some fast, some slow, some alone, others with a partner. Among all of them, there was this couple who warmed my heart just to see them walking hand in hand. It gave evidence to me that their relationship was built on loving & caring. As I came to know them, it was clear that their´s was real-a relationship that persisted and grew despite the bumps on the road of over 71 years of marriage.
Rose Marie, I want to thank you and Gary for being such good friends and what you have shared with me over the years especially your example of Christian charity and kindness to all.
Joan Hartjes Love
January 26, 2026
I will never forget the time I spent with Rosie and Gary in Jellico, Kentucky when I was 17. I believe it was a formative time for me and definitely a part of who I am today. Gary was and is a special example of God's love here on earth. Love and condolences to Rosie and all their children, grand children, and great grand children.
Lana Kohout
January 23, 2026
I had the privilege of getting to know Gary and Rose Marie through Resurrection School. I taught pre-k and 4-K there and asked for volunteers from the parish to assist in our program. For many years they came once a week to volunteer in many different ways...Rose Marie usually in my classroom and Gary in the school library. They were a true asset to our school and we looked forward to them coming to volunteer...Thank you for all your service...rest in peace Gary, you have earned it!!
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305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, WI 54115
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