Darlene Joyce Polattie

Darlene Polattie grew up on a dairy farm in Tomah Wisconsin where her adventurous spirit first inspired her to lead her little brother Bruce Puttkammer on horse rides, cat herding expeditions, and long walks directly through cow patties. To this day she holds the town record for miles of walking uphill (both ways) through snow to and from her one room schoolhouse. 

Despite—or because of—this record, she moved south at 18and graduated with high honors from UT business college where she enjoyed working but enjoyed retiring from even more. 

She met her husband Bobby Polattie on Valentine’s Day and 43 years later she said she still felt weak in the knees when she saw him, and that’s the only reason she’d ever admit to needing a cane. 

Darlene had opinions, and she wasn’t afraid to share them. She liked the TV quiet, the sun bright but not too bright, the doves and bunnies out her window well fed, and the Celtic Thunder music on repeat with a side of Alan Jackson. 

She laughed easily and with southern drawl. She felt deeply and loved fully. And when she danced it was early in the evening because she liked to be in bed by nine. 

Darlene Polattie [Puttkammer] lived a wonderful life, and she passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday Feb 27^th at the age of 83.

Forever holding her in their memory are her husband Bobby Polattie, her brother Bruce Puttkammer [Linda], three stepchildren, Troy Polattie [Courtney], Tiffany Holmes, Tarah Polattie, four granddaughters, 2 greatgrandchildren, her niece Cara Brookins, four grand nieces and nephews, three great grandnieces, and many, many more loving family members and friends. 

Passed before her are her mom and dad George and Doris [Freemore] Puttkammer and her nephew JC Puttkammer. 

Following her wishes, there will not be a service, but well-wishers are encouraged to smell a lilac, hug a dog, plant a tulip, and hold your loved ones close. By all who knew her, Darlene will be great missed.