Donald Denny Polich

Donald “Denny” Polich, age 95, died Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at home surrounded by family.  Denny was born July 9, 1923, in Crosby, MN, to Violet Perovich and Mike Polich (Mirko Podpara) and graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1941.  

Denny enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and honorably served his country during World War II.  Upon returning, he opened Dan’s Texaco in Ironton (later named Polich Fuel Company) and on May 23, 1948 married the love of his life, Delores “Laurie” Andolshek. 

Denny served the Crosby-Ironton community throughout his life. He was a member of the school board, chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee which led to a new C-I High School and is fondly remembered for organizing the first two C-I All Class Reunions.  His work as president of the Ironton Commercial Club was instrumental in developing the Industrial Park.  He was a long-time member of the C-I Quarterbacks, the Cuyuna Country Club, the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion, and the Elks Lodge.  Denny was a member of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Duluth, MN, and was extremely proud of his Montenegrin heritage.

Denny was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Laurie; parents, Mike Polich and Violet (Perovich) Martin and step father, George Martin; sister, Rose Satovich; step sister Dorothy Matthews; brothers Robert Polich and Clifford Polich; and step brothers Robert Martin and Mike Martin. 

Denny is survived by two daughters, Vicki Polich of Deerwood, MN, and Linda Frogner (Bill) of Lino Lakes, MN; two sons, Greg (Linda) of Ironwood, MI, and Mark (Cynthia) of Tucson, AZ;  four granddaughters, Adrienne Polich Kincaide (Todd), of Napa, CA, Ginger Polich, MD, of Boston, MA, Kate Polich of Los Angeles, CA, and Christine Wade (Harrison) of Crystal, MN; and one great-grandson, Eero Gregory Kincaide, of Napa, CA; step sister, Ann Murphy; and step brother, Chester Martin (Phyllis); and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Rosenbaum for decades of exceptional care, and the caregivers and staff of Home Instead, Home Health Partnership and the Hospice Care Center of Crosby for their compassion and wonderful care.  We are forever grateful to our beloved neighbors Kris and Dann and Jim and Lori who have always been such a help to us.

A private memorial service was held at Koop Funeral Home and internment took place at Lakewood Cemetery with full military honors.