Thomas Edward "Tom" Polster

Thomas Edward Polster, 82, formerly of Carlsville, passed away Sunday night, January 25, 2026 at Amethyst Health in Algoma with family at his side.

He was born at home on the family farm in the Town of Gibraltar on February 2, 1943, the son of Martin Arnold Polster and Dorothy Ellen (Stephenson) Polster. Tom grew up attending Maple Grove School and Zion United Methodist Church. He graduated from Gibraltar High School with the class of 1961.

He married Christine Marie Kaye on February 19, 1966 at Calvary United Methodist Church in Egg Harbor. They resided in Peninsula Center. Tom and Christine were blessed with a daughter, Shawn and son, Todd and shared over 30 years of marriage.

Born with a strong work ethic, Tom helped on the family farm, where he learned the value of long days, responsibility, and perseverance traits that stayed with him throughout his life. He went on to work in the shipyards at Bay Shipbuilding Co. in Sturgeon Bay. Tom spent many years working as a blaster and excavator, lending his master of trade and dedication to several companies including Paschke, Parent, and Harbor Construction.

Eventually, he fulfilled a dream by starting his own business alongside his son Todd, DC Blasting. Nothing meant more to Tom than working side by side with his son each day. That same partnership and loyalty extended to another longtime venture, Bley's Bar, which they proudly ran together for over 10 years. While tending bar, Tom gained many lifelong friends, becoming a familiar, welcoming presence to locals and visitors alike.

Above all else, Tom was a family man. He deeply loved his grandchildren and made sure they were never far from his heart or his sight keeping their photos on the front screen of his phone and giving it a little tap every day as a quiet reminder of how much they meant to him.

In his later years, Tom found joy in the simple pleasures: ice cream shakes, long car rides, and time spent with those he loved most. His steady presence, strong hands, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tom will be missed by son, Todd (Kaitlyn) Polster of West Jacksonport; grandchildren, River, Grant, and Grace; his former wife, Christine Polster of Peninsula Center; siblings, Sylvia Reinhardt of Fish Creek, Alma Bahr of Sturgeon Bay, Steve (Caroline) Polster of Fish Creek, Mark (Cheryl) Polster of Valmy; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Shawn; siblings, Laura (Art) Strege, Donald (Wanda) Polster, Joanne (Jim) Swenson, and Hertha Polster; brother-in-law, Dan Bahr; and other relatives.

His life will be honored with a funeral service held at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235 with his brother, Rev. Stephen Polster, officiating. Tom will be laid to rest beside family in Blossomberg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m.

"Thank you to the staff at Pine Crest Village and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care you gave to Dad."

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Tom will be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.