Charles W. Pollard

Charles W. Pollard, 95 of Tomah passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 surrounded by his family at his home.

Charles was born October 3, 1928 and grew up in Kendall, Wisconsin with a love for fun, hard work, and a love of machines. He worked driving milk truck by age 14 and then joined his father in his love for flying small planes at age 16. Chuck’s love of flying gave him enjoyment until he was 80 years old and took him on adventurous flights to El Paso, Texas and Fairbanks, Alaska. Each chance he had, he would explore the many airports throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. His special love for machines included his motorcycle which took Kathy and Chuck on many wonderful rides until he was 93 years of age.

Chuck began working for his father in the Monroe Finance Company in 1949, but when the Korean War began, he joined the US Air Force and was assigned to Albrook Air Force Base in the Panama Canal Zone. Upon completion of his service duty in 1954, he returned to work at Monroe Finance Company. Though, the ownership and names for the company changed throughout the years, Chuck continued to serve as manager until his retirement in 1991.

After his retirement, Chuck continued his service as a member of the Tomah Airport Committee, the St. Mary’s Educational Endowment Board, the Knights of Columbus, the Tomah Hospital Board, the St. Mary’s Cemetery Association, and as the chairman of the VA Commissioners. Retirement years also allowed him to enjoy travel adventures with his wife, Kathy and constantly care and show his love for his children and their growing families.

Chuck’s family will most remember him for his deep love for his wife, Kathy and for their amazing and wonderful relationship over 72 years. His children and grandchildren will remember how he loved and selflessly cared for them with out complaint. He was kind and compassionate toward others and always enjoyed listening to other people. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a short dance in the kitchen with anyone, especially Kathy. Finally, he is remembered as for being hardworking, a skilled pilot, and his love for driving anywhere for any reason.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents William J. Pollard and Mary (Hayward) Pollard of Kendall, Wisconsin, his brother Jim, sisters, Caroline, Olive, and Elizabeth Anne, and his grandson, Zachary Hansen.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Kathleen Pollard. His 4 children, Charles A., Sue, Diane, and Mary, as well as their spouses, Lily Yang, Tom Hansen, and Jon Terbush.

In addition, he is survived by his 8 grandchildren Tyson Hansen and wife, Ashley, Nicole Alexander and husband, Spencer, Deanna Lluhani and husband, Shpendi, Jesse Millwood and wife, Amy, Jordan Millwood, Sean Millwood, Julie Zhang, and Christopher Pollard. As well as, 5 great-grandchildren Lincoln, Roman, Lorik, Cora, and Cillian.

He will especially be missed by his younger brother, Robert Pollard and wife, Fran and his niece, Mary, both who cared for him in his last days.

The family would also like to extend special thank you to both the staff of Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in Lacrosse and to the Tomah Hospice Touch and the Serenity House.

A Funeral Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, 11:30 at Queen of the Apostles Parish. Monsignor David Kunz will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery with military honors.

A Parish Rosary will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, 4:00 PM at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home followed by a visitation until 7:00 PM and on Saturday at the church from 10:30 until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.

Memorials in Chuck’s memory can be given to Queen of the Apostles Parish.