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Charles Pollnow Obituary
July 28, 1932 - July 10, 2025
Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Charles Francis "Duke" Pollnow entered into eternal life on Thursday, July 10 surrounded by family. Born on July 28, 1932 to the late Clara and Francis Pollnow, Charles graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1951 and from the University of Notre Dame in 1955 with a degree in chemical engineering. Charles was married to Nancy Sauer Pollnow, the love of his life, for 65 years before her passing in October 2024.
After serving in the Navy, Charles began his career in the chemical industry and then was a founder of International Clinical Laboratories. He subsequently built a lumberyard and prefabrication business. In 1987, Charles purchased Brulin, a specialty chemical company which remains family-owned and operated today.
With a smile and story for everyone he met, Duke never knew a stranger. He lived to serve others and did so with generosity and enthusiasm. An avid outdoorsman, Duke loved hunting, fishing, cooking, traveling, and working in his yard. His family and friends treasured his delicious chocolate and scrumptious waffles. Ever faithful, Duke radiated joy in his participation in the Sacraments and his commitment to God.
Duke was the loving father to Julie (Todd), Charles (Eleanor), Bill (Lisa), Liesl (Shawn), Dean (Beth), and Molly (Rob, decd.); beloved grandfather to Todd (Nicole), Liesl (Kevin), Margaret (Nathan), Peter (Kate), Audrey (David), Sarah (Akshay), Charles (Bridget), Billy, Lindsey, Joseph, James, Ben (Hannah), Shawn, Ian, David, Parshall, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Cecelia, Grace, and Thomas; adored great-grandfather to Nor, Ben, Joan, Isaac, Isabel, Emilia, Liesl, Louis, Harrison, and Henry; and dear friend to many. The family wishes to thank Duke's caregivers for their steadfast care. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of the Annunziata, directly followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 a.m. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to support the Carmelite Monastery in St. Louis may be made to the Carmel of Saint Joseph, 9150 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63124.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Pollnow
Ken Streett
July 18, 2025
My sympathy goes out to the entire Pollnow family for the loss of a first rate human being. Charlie was a "stand up guy" in the truest sense; smart, loyal and very engaging who will very definitely be missed.
Marjorie Franc
July 16, 2025
A very kind gentleman and an extremely good friend to many. We loved him.
Marjorie and Terry Franc
Rick and Tracy Huesgen
July 16, 2025
So sorry for your loss Bill. Your father was quite a man!
Larry Smith
July 15, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Charles was a great guy and I enjoyed working with him at Brulin.
David Wilmot
July 15, 2025
My brother-in-law's cousin stood out in a family of super-achievers. May he rest among the saints.
Pollnow Family
July 15, 2025
The visitation and funeral Mass will be on Saturday, July 19, 2025.
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