Don Polzin sailed into the Sunset
DONALD E. POLZIN- February 12, 1930 – September 14, 2022. THIENSVILLE/SISTER BAY
Intrepid EYC mariner, Donald Polzin was last seen suspended on a trapeze wire on his sporty 470 (US31) sailing out of Eagle Harbor into the sunset in September. Don Polzin, age 92, passed away September 14 in Thiensville after a battle with cancer. This was the first summer in 31 years that he missed being at his red cottage on Little Sister Road.
Don started to sail at the age of 42. He and his two sons learned the craft while competing in several regattas throughout the midwest. His first trip to Eagle Harbor was with his son in 1973 when they attended a regional 470 championship.
Upon retiring after a career as Theatre Arts Professor at Northern Illinois University, Don and his second wife, Jacquie, spent summers remodeling their cottage and sailing a series of boats: the 470 which he loved to single hand, a Buccaneer, a Laser and a windsurfer. He also raced with George Carey on George’s Flying Scott.
A more detailed life story is available https://
A Celebration of Life is planned for July 2023 in Ephraim, Wisconsin. Condolences can be sent to Jacquie Polzin at [email protected] or mailed to her at: 304 Madero Drive, Thiensville, WI 53092.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Door County Land Trust PO Box 65 Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
