Donald Dwayne (Don, Pep, Pepe) Polzine, age 80 of Lamberton, passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at home. Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Tracy Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home with a Prayer Service at 6:30. The visitation will continue 1 hour prior to services at the church. A private burial will be at the Tracy City Cemetery at a later date. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Don was born at home in Worthington, MN to Julius (Bud) and Hazel (Holm) Polzine on December 21, 1944.  He was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Worthington.  Don attended Worthington Public Schools graduating from the class of 1962.  After graduation, Don went to work for Muggs Schield Construction doing underground construction of water pipes and sewer lines.  He then went to work for Hawke and Co. Harvester’s and then onto Berger Concrete before being hired for the City of Worthington Public Utilities.

Don was united in marriage to Sharon Gronewold and to this union, two daughters were born.  In March of 1976, he was hired by the City of Tracy as the Director of Public Works and continued his career there until retirement in January of 2003.  Don was then married to Sandra Verdick. They enjoyed spending time at their Lake Shetek home and taking annual trips to Branson, MO. After retirement, Don worked for a short time at Walmart and in the spring of 2004, became the groundskeeper for the Tracy Country Club until 2014.  After Sandy passed away, Don was united in marriage to Janet Holicky and moved from Tracy to Cleveland, MN in 2015.  Don and Janet enjoyed traveling and spent the last 9 winters in Texas.  After Janet passed away in 2024, Don went to live with his daughter in Lamberton.

Don served many years in the Tracy Fire Department as Fire Marshal, retiring at age 50.  Don was involved with Tracy Jaycees, Tracy Eagles Club, Ducks Unlimited, and MN Waterfowl Association.  He hunted nearly his entire life and participated in Trap Shooting League.  He enjoyed all seasons of fishing. In his young adult years, he played softball as either the catcher or first baseman, then went on to manage teams and was very proud to have recruited the guys that did not make the big leagues. Don will be remembered as a pool shark to many who shot against him starting as early as a preteen in the local pool halls.

Pep is lovingly remembered by his two daughters: Melissa (Kirk) Whiting of Bloomington, MN and Madonna Peterson of Lamberton; grandson Casey (Abby) Polzine of Lucan and their children: Quinn, Chloe and Nolan; sisters: Bonnie (Al) Mejia of Adrian, MN and Jan (Dave) Hoefker of Worthington, MN; Kirk’s children and grandchildren; Sandy’s children and grandchildren; Janet’s children and grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, former spouses, and grandson Jacob Peterson.