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Richard "Dick" Vernon Polzin

vet
Jan 24, 1942 – Jan 3, 2017

Service Details

Prayer Service: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue

Visitation: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in St. Lucy Catholic Church

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Racine Community Outpost (for funding Community Policing Programs in the greater Racine area) or to St. Lucy Congregation

Order Flowers from Family Selected Florists

Miller's Flowers

Racine – Richard V. Polzin, age 74, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 3, 2017.

Dick was born in Racine on January 24, 1942 to the late Vernon C. and Ruby V. (nee: Allert) Polzin. He was a graduate of Washington Park High School (where he was honored to be inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 1998), Racine Technical College, Carthage College and the FBI National Academy.

On May 25, 1962 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Dick was united in marriage with Mary “Sheila” Carolan. He served our community with the Racine Police Department for over 36 years from 1964 until retiring as Police Chief in 2000. Dick was a member of the Racine County Law Enforcement Executives Association, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, National Chiefs of Police Association, Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Associates, International Police Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Naval Academy Review Board, Treasurer of the Racine Community Outpost and was awarded the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Executive of the Year (1997). During his tenure as Chief of Police, Dick instituted the Community Policing model in the City of Racine. His efforts were responsible for improving the quality of life for countless residents in the Racine Community. He maintained that vision through his retirement as a member of the Racine Community Outpost Organization, a non-profit group dedicated to purchasing and maintaining COP houses in the greater Racine area. Those accomplishments often resulted in the opportunity to share Racine’s success with communities across the country. Among his other interests, he enjoyed riding his horse “Max” and golfing at Ives Grove and Johnson Park with retirees, as well as the annual FBI-NA Golf Outing with family members – where, in 2006 he shot a hole in one. Dick was an avid runner who participated in a number of marathons, including the Boston Marathon, and charitable running events. Dick also enjoyed coaching and attending the numerous activities in which his children and grandchildren participated. He especially enjoyed planning and taking family vacations, most notably time spent together at Walt Disney World.

Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Sheila; their children, Michael Polzin, Ann (Tim) Pettit, Mark (Elizabeth) Polzin and John Polzin; grandchildren, Michaela, Delaney and Callahan Polzin; Andy and Libby Pettit; Abby and Jack Polzin; Matthew, Meghan and Michael Polzin; sisters, Jeanette (Tom) Seefeldt and Sandy (Dave) Hansen; Sheila’s parents, Laurence and Betty Carolan; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry (Cynthia) Carolan, Mary Cronin and John Carolan; nieces, nephews, other relatives, as well as protective service family and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents, and brothers-in-law Tom Cronin, Robert Budney, and Richard Saynay, nephew David Saynay, and niece Jodi Doepke.

A memorial gathering at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, WI will be held on what would have been Dick’s 75th Birthday, Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. A prayer service remembering and celebrating his life will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Racine Community Outpost, which helps fund the Community Policing Programs in the greater Racine area, or St. Lucy Congregation have been suggested.

Special thanks to the members of the Racine Fire & Police Departments and ER staff at Ascension All Saints Hospital for their life saving efforts.

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Guestbook Entries

  1. Barb and Bill Ernst says

    January 6, 2017 at 10:25 am

    We were so sorry to learn of Dick’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathy. I find myself remembering the fun times we had when our children were little especially our camping trip in Door Cointy and the squished frog. Poor Mark. Dick will be missed greatly. He was a good man and contributed much to making Racine a better place.

  2. Patrick Carolan says

    January 6, 2017 at 10:42 am

    Our sincere condolences to Sheila, and to Sheila and Dick’s children and grandchildren. The many tributes that have followed Dick’s passing highlight a truly respected community leader and colleague, as well as husband, father and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Patrick and Marianne Carolan
    Minneapolis, MN

  3. Jeff Gister says

    January 6, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    Sorry for your lost to your family

  4. William and Diane Schaefer, Crivitz, WI says

    January 6, 2017 at 2:55 pm

    Deepest sympathy to the Polzin family. Dick had a wonderful sense to make negatives into positives and the enjoyment of horses which we still do.

  5. Tony Barthuly- retired Fond du Lac Chief of Police, Director of Wi-DOJ Law Enforcement Training and Standards Bureau says

    January 6, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    Chief Dick was one of the finest gentlemen I knew. He was extremely respected in the Law Enforcement Community. I am greatful to have had the pleas and honor to call Dick a friend. The Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Group, and FBINA lost a mentor and role model and heaven gained a new member. RIP Chief you left a large footprint to others to follow.

  6. Mike Steinhorst says

    January 9, 2017 at 3:28 pm

    So sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. Enjoyed seeing and talking with him at the FBINAA events.

  7. David Collins says

    January 9, 2017 at 7:18 pm

    To the Family of Dick Polzin:
    I first met Dick when he was a Captain with the Racine PD. I was a Special Agent with the Wisconsin DOJ-Division of Criminal Investigation assigned to assist the PD with a homicide case. Dick made me feel at home right away. He and his staff became trusted friends and colleagues over the years. Dick was a great leader and Chief of Police. His vision helped put Racine’s community policing efforts on a national pedestal. It was an honor to have served with him and to have been his friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    David Collins
    Retired Superintendent
    Wisconsin State Patrol

  8. Sandy Sorensen says

    January 10, 2017 at 10:42 am

    So sorry for your loss. I send my Love, Hugs and Prayers. Sandy Sorensen (friend of Jeanette & Sandy’s)

  9. Tammi J. McCright says

    January 26, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    To the Polzin family:

    May you find comfort in treasured memories. “Memory, reflection, fondness of a life lived to the fullest.”

  10. The Hicks Family says

    July 26, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    Different Background……..Same Belief’s

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Testimonials

November 14, 2018

I’d like to thank Brian Langendorf and staff for putting on a great memorial and celebration of life service for my mom. We received great feedback from our family and friends. My dad was especially appreciative on how it went and was very happy with the result. Thank you!!

Thomas M. Christian Jr.

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4600 County Line Road
Mount Pleasant, WI 53403
(262) 552-9000

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