Eugene R. Polley

Eugene Robert Polley (age 97) passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2026, one of his favorite holidays.

“Gene” was born Dec. 9, 1928 and spent his life in the Bancroft area. After graduating Bancroft High, he joined the Navy, based in Washington DC. 

After Honorable Discharge in 1949, Gene returned to Bancroft and worked with his dad (John) for the Portage County Highway Department. He loved working outside and the precision of building roads. In 1965 he began working for Pagel Construction, and became an expert at grading roads throughout Wisconsin. Known as “The Grader Man”, he worked there until his retirement in 1992.

In June 1953, Gene married Alice E. Kollock also of Bancroft. Alice worked at Bancroft Bank, accross the street from the bar where he worked part-time. One day Alice needed a ride home to the family farm and asked to use their phone. Gene overheard her call, and offered to give her a ride. That ride resulted in 73 years of marriage, 2 daughters (Cynthia & Lisa), 2 grandchildren (Lauren & Taylor), and 2 great grandchildren (Coral & Lainey).

Throughout his life he enjoyed snowmobiling, fishing, dancing with Alice, bowling, the Packers, the Brewers, fixing things and creating a contraption that fixes the thing, and keeping his yard green. 

After retirement Gene and Alice traveled to every US state except Alaska. They spent winters in California with family, and the other seasons exploring the USA and Canada. Their love for travel in an RV resulted in years of memories and forever friendships. 

His immediate family preceded in death are parents: John F. Polly, Regina A. Przybelski, and siblings Diane, Dorothy, George, Mable, and Frances. 

 Gene is survived by wife Alice, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren and an extended loving family, including sisters in law, and many nieces, nephews and beyond. 

We are grateful for the amazing time we had with him. He was a man that worked hard, enjoyed life, and wanted no fanfare or fuss. He now rests at St. Martin’s Cemetery with his Union 139 hat and a Grader etched on his tombstone.