Polly Marie (Klug) Koss

Polly Marie (Klug) Koss passed away Tuesday morning, September 29, 2026, at her home at the age of 81. This was a shocking surprise to all of us, as she had just made blueberry muffins and had busy plans for her day. She lived a full rewarding life, yet, to her family, it was cut way too short. Those that never had a chance to get to know our mother really missed out on an incredible woman. Polly had more energy than the average family, all put together! She was a lady that seemed to stand out. She rarely rested. She was constantly driven, focused on the next task or challenge.
Polly was a selfless mother, dedicating much of her life to her children and grandchildren, She afforded us many opportunities while we were young, and supported our endeavors throughout life. Even when we grew to be adults, she never faltered in being our “rock” through times of need. Whether it was for her children, grandchildren, her children’s friends, extended family, neighbors, or her community, she generously gave her time and energy.
Polly enjoyed her flower garden, sewing, crossword puzzles, the Green Bay Packers, Sudoku and Wordle. She truly had a remarkable knack for baking, making the very best chocolate chip cookies on the planet. Her flaky pie crusts with fruity fillings were amazing, and her strawberry blue-barb was the best!
Polly was a perfectionist. She kept a spotless house, yet she would apologize to blushing guests to “pardon the mess.” She had many admirable qualities, but the ones that stand out were her values and beliefs about fairness, social justice, human rights, and protecting the environment. She also had an adventurous spirit. As soon as their last kid flew the coop, she and her husband, Jack, annually visited the British Virgin Islands for snorkeling, sight-seeing, and hiking the trails.
Polly was a master of the English language. She continued to edit all of her children’s papers even beyond college. She typed over 120 words a minute! Her grammatical skills were impeccable. And, she really disliked swearing. In fact, we never once heard our mother swear … until Donald Trump became President.
Polly was a role model for all of us.
Polly was born in 1945 to Alice and Silas Klug in Zumbrota, MN. She was very close with her father and had a lasting reverence for him that endured through her life. One of her fondest memories was building a red and white polka dot sailboard as a child with him. (She took us kids on it more often than we liked!)
Polly graduated from Zumbrota High School as valedictorian of her class. She was involved in Girl Scouts, plays, debate club, student council, and was skilled at playing the piano and clarinet. She attended college at Marquette University in Milwaukee where she met her future husband, Jack Koss. He only had to ask her out 25 times before she accepted, but it was meant to be. During those years, they loved to go dancing. Their love was strong throughout the years. They married in 1967 and were married for 59 years.
They had their first child, a son, John Nicholas, in 1968. Shortly after his birth, they moved to Green Bay and had two more children, Samuel Silas and Alissa Jane. In 1978, they moved to Shawano where they built a home and lived in for seven years before moving, again, to where they currently reside. Polly spent her career working as a pharmacy tech for Snyder Drug, Shawano Community Hospital, and Weston Hospital in Wausau before retiring.
She is survived by her husband, John (Jack) Koss; her children, John Koss, Sam (Ericka) Koss, and Alissa (Jamie) Koss-Hutjens; 11 grandchildren, Zoe Rain, John Abbitt, Daisy Odelia, Lily Wynne, Sabin Casimir, Amelia Rose, Wyatt Jaxson, Phoebe Elsbeth, Celia Marie, Hazel Lydia, and Isla Eloise; her sisters, Jo Ellen (Stan) Lessin and Kathleen Klug; her brothers, Mick (Deb) Klug and Peter (Rhonda) Klug; and step-sisters, Diane
(Keith) Mathees and Kathy (Todd) Kessel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Silas Klug.
A memorial service for Polly Marie Koss will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 1pm at Mickelson Funeral Service in Shawano. Trey Lesatz will officiate. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 am and continue until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers and plants, the family kindly requests memorials in Polly’s name to Doctors Without Borders, an organization she has supported for many years. Polly would appreciate the opportunity to help others one last time.
https:// give.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/72 7212/donate
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.