Obituary of Wolfgang Polenz

In Memory of Wolfgang Justus Polenz

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Wolfgang Polenz on September 13, 2019 at the age of 82 years.

Wolfgang will be forever remembered by his children Barbara (Hugh) Woods of New Liskeard, Patricia (Bradley) Simpson of Carleton Place and Peter Polenz of Dowling; and his grandchildren Madison and Marshall Woods, Nicholas, William and Jacob Simpson and Joshua Polenz.

Predeceased by his wife Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Farrow) Polenz; parents Hedwig & Walter Polenz; brothers Claus Polenz, Ulrich Polenz and sister Brigette Broad as well as brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law James & Vicky Farrow, Donald Farrow, Stan Baker and Barry Broad. 

He will be missed by brother Hans-Jurgen (Gloria) Polenz of Rathmines, N.S.W., Australia; sister Monica (Bill) Kucharuk of Collingwood, Ontario; sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-law Anne Polenz of Georgetown; Joanne Polenz of Gananoque; Jack Farrow of Elk Lake; Nancy (Kent) Bradley of Arnprior; Linda Baker of New Liskeard; Norah Lee Farrow of Ottawa.

Fondly remembered by many of nieces and nephews.

Wolfgang loved his home looking over Lake Temiskaming, built with his own hands as well as friends and family. The many hours spent “at the lake” boating, swimming or just enjoying the “augenweide” (its view) with a cup of coffee.

His love of motorcycles and the friendship of his fellow bikers brought him great joy over many years. Often, he could be found tinkering on one of his bikes in his shop, he was always a hands-on backyard mechanic, game to tackle practically any mechanical project in his workshops; he truly was a Jack of all Trades.

Wolfgang was born on January 31, 1937 in Forst, Germany near the border with Poland just east of Cottbus to Hedwig (nee Pompe) and Walter Polenz.

He was educated in Germany and apprenticing as a miner.  He came to Canada in 1956 where worked as miner in the Kirkland Lake gold mines for several years, then later with Rexwood Forest Products for over 25 years. 

As a long-time resident of Temiskaming Shores, he spent many hours walking along the New Liskeard Boardwalk with his dachshund “wiener” dogs Poochie and Sam.

Some of his happiest times were spent with his family, children and grandchildren whom he often referred to as his little “spitzbub” (rascals). He was an avid reader, interested in novels of any subject, with his cat “Happy” curled in his lap.

Wolfgang’s family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Friday, October 25^th at the Holiday Inn, New Liskeard, followed by internment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Haileybury at 4:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to reconvene at the Holiday Inn, New Liskeard following the internment.

To our friends and family, we wish to thank you for the expressions of love and support; it is so precious to us at this time, and we will remain eternally grateful.

A heart felt thanks goes out to Dr. Currie, the nurses and PSW’s for the wonderful care and comfort given to Wolfgang over the last years, both at home and in hospital.

“Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei” – German proverb

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Heart & Stroke Foundation are welcome.