Silvio Polich

Silvio Milton Polich, lifelong resident of Iron County, passed away Monday, June 22, 2009 at the age of 97. He was born the day the Titanic sank, April 15, 1912, to John Sr. and Josephine (Kuchan) Polich. Silvio graduated from Stambaugh High School and Hillsdale College where he received his Bachelor's Degree. He earned his Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. Silvio married Pearl Carne on August 17, 1940. Silvio taught school for forty years, retiring as a Biology and Ecology teacher at West Iron County High School in 1974. He was honored nationally for ecology work he and his high school class did in the local community. During his career he received scholarships to attend National Science Foundation Program summer sessions at the University of Rhode Island, Colorado College, Michigan Technological University, and Northern Michigan University. During his forty years of teaching, Silvio taught most of the residents in the area. Long after retirement, it pleased him to talk to people on the street who were, "Former students of mine." He has continued to have visits from former students who have returned to Iron County from all over the country. He was highly regarded as a tough teacher who, his students say, really gave them the motivation and determination to succeed. Silvio was a member of the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association. He was a member of the local Conservation Club, an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He served on the Board of Directors of the Iron County Soil Conservation District, was a member of the Iron County Sportsman's Club and served as a Loon Watcher for the State of Michigan. He was also a member of the Audubon Society and served on the Board of Directors of the Golden Lake Landowners Association. He loved to spend time at "the cottage" at Golden Lake which he constructed during the 1940's with his father and brother John. Silvio and Pearl and their family and friends have enjoyed many wonderful times and much laughter there. An amateur photographer, Silvio presented many "Wildflowers of Iron County" programs to local service and interest groups. In retirement he mastered the art of wood carving, producing many wonderfully realistic waterfowl. His appreciation for wildlife art grew as he and Pearl traveled with Lee and Lucille LeBlanc doing research for Lee's painting. Silvio is survived by his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Pearl, a daughter, Gaye (Jim) Wenger of Menominee, MI, a son Thomas (Leslie) of Mill Creek, WA, six grandchildren: Mike (Tricia Marcusen) Wenger, Jill Wenger, Thomas Wenger, Travis (Karen) Polich, Taylor Polich, and Taryn (Brian) Whiteaker. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Thor and Jaelyn Fluke and Tyler Marcusen, one brother, George Polich, a sister-in-law, Kathryn Polich, a brother-in-law, George Carne, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Silvio was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Angeline (Bill) Todey, brothers John Polich, Jr., Col. Frank (Gaye) Polich, Ret., infant brother Rudolph Polich, and sister-in-law Jean Polich. Silvio's childhood friends and hunting and fishing buddies, Joe Visintainer and Bruno Nardi also preceded him in death. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at St Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11 a.m. at St. Cecilia Catholic Church. Special thanks to Silvio's family, friends and former students who enriched his life by continuing to visit him throughout his retirement. The family suggests memorial contributions to the Lee LeBlanc Art Gallery at the Iron County Historical Museum, P.O. Box 272, Caspian, MI 49915 or to the Iron County Historical Museum at the same address. Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River is assisting the family.