Lois Pollari

Lois (Clintsman) Pollari, age 91, of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin, died Saturday, April 24th, 2021 surrounded by family at her home from cancer. Lois was a beloved mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed. She was born September 26, 1929 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The heart of the Pollari family, Lois was deeply loved by her six children and their families.

Lois is survived by her children Keith (Linda) Pollari, Lynn (Steve) Koll, and Lora (Matt) Pollari-Welbes, son-in-law Richard Bong, grandchildren Ted (Elsie) Pollari, Matt Pollari, Bonnie (Dan) Keeler, Brian Keeler, Jeffrey (Grace) Pollari, Joey Pollari, David Koll, Danielle Koll, Dylan Koll, Kate Welbes, and great-grandchildren Leo, Anja, Ben and Veronica. She was greeted in heaven by her husband, Charles (Dick) Pollari, children Anne Keeler, Jan Bong, and Kevin Pollari, and son-in-law Gordon Keeler.

Lois first met Dick in St. Paul while he was serving in the Navy and it was love at first sight. They were married December 7, 1946 in Duluth and lived in Northern Wisconsin and California before building a house in Shoreview, MN in 1954 where they raised their six children.

She was a dedicated mom and community member serving as a Girl Scout Troop leader, president of the Shoreview Jaycees, and garden club enthusiast.

Raising six children was excellent preparation for twenty years as a public servant. Her volunteer work led to an assistant position with St. Paul City Council President Rosalie Butler and then as St. Paul deputy commissioner of finance. In 1975 Gov. Wendell Anderson appointed her executive director of the Minnesota Bicentennial Commission. She subsequently served as the Minnesota Department of Administration Director of Fiscal Services, Director of State CETA, and Director of Data and Records. A longtime member of the Minnesota DFL, Lois served on many campaigns and in party leadership roles from the 1960s to 1980s, including as the District 48A Chair, Ramsey Co. DFL co-chair, and 4th Congressional District DFL Chair.

Lois forever cherished being from St. Paul, raising her family in Shoreview, and later enjoyed her community on Lake Nebagamon and winters in Arizona. Her passions included family gatherings, gardening, politics, traveling, bargain shopping, and morning coffee. Her career in public service reflected her talent for organizing, planning, and leading. Lois was generous, compassionate, curious, and a creative life-long learner who lived to the fullest and encouraged others to live their true purpose and highest potential. She was an amazing travel companion and a generous host. She was a visionary with a creative and infectious entrepreneurial spirit.

Visitation with the family will begin at 2 PM, on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 11416 1st St N, Lake Nebagamon, WI, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 PM. Pastor Darrell Kyle will officiate.

Memorials preferred to either: Old Brule Heritage Society, P.O. Box 24, Maple, WI 54854 or the ALS Association https://www.als.org/donate

To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook,  please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com .