Lynn Eichinger wrote on August 12, 2012
Polly and OB were two of my parents best friends as I was growing up and I remember many happy times with them, especially with their crew of children on Christmas eve. Polly was a very special person (as is OB) and I am sorry to learn that she left us. Our sincerest condolences to her family.

Ron and Alma Dayton wrote on August 2, 2012
Dear Anne, Bill, Mark and Family, What a gift to your lives your mother clearly was, witness her amazing story recorded in her life history we read. She was a gifted servant to her home community and no doubt to her family. Our prayers for your peace are with you. With our love, Ron and Alma Dayton

Renae Bauer Diedrich wrote on August 2, 2012
Dear Zimmerman family, I just learned of Polly's passing and I offer my condolences. Polly offered me my first job in the world of journalism and I cannot imagine having a finer role model. She was patient, generous with her time and knowledge, trusting and was a wealth of knowledge. I became a far better editor under her guidance. She delighted her staff with stories of her family, especially her beloved husband, OB. She loved you dearly and deeply. I still remember the sandwiches OB would pack for her. May she enjoy a comfortable seat at the banquet table of our Lord!

John Combellick wrote on August 1, 2012
I spent umpteen years working with Polly at the Northwestern, with our desks less than 10 feet apart. She was a complete professional and impossible to dislike. She was a class act. My favorite memory of working with Polly was when she asked me to write a review of the talent competition at the Miss Wisconsin Pageant, which was then going on. I didn't ask her what kind of story angle she wanted and she didn't tell me, but my sense was that she wanted something more irreverent than our usual Miss Wisconsin Pageant coverage. I finished watching the evening's Miss Wisconsin talent competition in the auditorium at West High School and then headed back to the Northwestern building, where I had to write my review that evening so it could make the next day's edition. As I was driving past what is now the US Bank, I noticed that there was a party going on in the parking lot across the street from the bank. I stopped to check out - briefly, I expected - what the celebration was about. There, I encountered my friend Ron Detjen, then operator of a grease monkey business, now a computer software magnate. There was a convivial atmosphere and quite a bit of beer on hand and I soon got caught up in the festivities. I had a few - maybe more than a few - and it was probably past midnight when I recognized that I had better get going to the Northwestern building to write my review. I sat down at the video terminal to begin writing, trying to get my alcohol influenced brain to recall what I intended to say. Notes? What notes? Eventually, I got the thing compiled in what I thought was an adequately lucid and insightful manner. There were no inquiries and suggestions for editorial changes from Polly the next day. She ran my article verbatim. Polly was a true gentlewoman in every sense of the word. It's possible that they don't make then like her anymore. My prayers go out to all the members of her family.

Susy Vette wrote on August 1, 2012
Dear Ellie and Family, There are a lot of great things to say about your mom, Polly; such a lovely, talented woman! Not only did she see to her superb children and grandchildren. She also had a fine career in a time and a place when many women sidelined their talent, focusing only on children and family. Polly managed both! I feel so fortunate to have worked with her at the Northwestern. I remember the day I met with her to pitch an idea for a feature story. She liked my story, but Id never written features, so I had a lot to learn! She always knew how to guide and foster me.. It was a story about a woman like your mother; one who didnt have to work, but did it to fulfill herself. That story, thanks to your mom, became a series of profiles about many other exceptional women. Polly was one of those special people in my life. We all have them if were lucky: a mentor and a colleague who helps us grow in skill and perspective. I am so grateful to her for giving me the direction and the opportunity to write for her, and to learn from her. It was a great experience. Please share my comments, and our condolences, with your family, all of whom are such a credit to Polly and OB. I know that she had been failing for a long while, and you must be relieved for her that her pain is past. Nevertheless, her legacy lives on in all of you, her bright and interesting offspring!

Judy Sabbert wrote on July 31, 2012
Ann, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mothers are so special. I know the sense of loss that you feel right now. Holding you in my heart. - Love, Judy

Dale and Kris Bower wrote on July 31, 2012
Anne and family, sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Our thoughts are with you, Dale and Kris

Vic & Judy Rue wrote on July 30, 2012
Anne and family..So sorry to hear of your mother's death...hope springs eternal, and I think your mother is no exception! And I am sure, Anne, you will grow up to be just like her. Our love and thoughts are with you.

Tammy/Bob Downing wrote on July 30, 2012
Anne, our thoughts are with you. What a great Mom you were blessed with. If you or any of your siblings need anything let us know. All our love during this hard time.

Ann "Ziggy" Zanzig wrote on July 30, 2012
Anne, Ginger and Jamie: This picture is exactly how I remember Polly! She was cute,funny (liked a drink as I recall) and raised fab kids -what could be better? There's nothing like memories of a fun mom to make the rest of your life great. Best wishes at a tough time.

Mike Stadtmueller wrote on July 30, 2012
Of all the moms I knew while at Lourdes, Polly seemed to be the most like my own mom. So warm and caring, and always able to strike up a friendly, thoughtful, caring conversation with anyone. And she brought up the most considerate kids I knew too. Kids who would never say an unkind word even when they were maligned, kids who treated everyone with dignity, and showed real insight into people's souls. Kids who had learned how to build trust and community. Ellie, Annie, and Jamie were three of the best classmates I ever knew at Lourdes, and I know it was because of Polly that they were the people they were. Quality individuals with a top notch mom! Love you guys! And thanks so much for the memories! God is very near the brokenhearted, and is close by your side during this time of transition. Love, joy and peace as you remember this dear, dear lady!

Colleen Purtell Miller wrote on July 29, 2012
My thoughts are with all of you now as I just received the news. A great loss for she was a great woman, bigger than what this world could hold. She was yours, but you shared her with so many, and for that I am forever grateful. All our love, Colleen and David

Judy Russell wrote on July 29, 2012
My life was made more beautiful for having Polly as a dear friend and a co-worker. She was a brilliant wordsmith and we shared a love of writing, reading, mentoring young writers and editing. She was a faith-filled person who met the challenges of life with a prayer and a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mary (Galvin) Saur wrote on July 29, 2012
Dear Mark and Zimmerman family- It has been a long time since I have seen your mother, but I admired her and revered her when I was in High shool at Lourdes with John. she was so classy and sharp and always seemed to really care about you as an individual. I am so sorry for your loss and felt compelled to write when i saw her obit in the State Journal my thoughts and prayers are with all of you - Mary (Galvin) Saur

Catherine (Whiting) Reed wrote on July 28, 2012
Jaime, My thoughts and prayers to you, your father and your family. I only met your parents a couple of times but all the stories you had told of "OB & Polly" it was clear how much you love them. My father passed shortly after Christmas and I still love telling "Theodore/Ted" stories. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."