Jose Polanco's Memorial Mass Video

Jose O. Polanco (Prieto), age 80 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2024 at Theda Care Medical Center in Appleton surrounded by his family. He was born in Port Lavaca, TX August 17, 1943 to the late Margarito and Aniceta (Ozuna) Polanco. He married his loving wife Guadalupe (Moya) Polanco in 1967. Throughout his life, Jose displayed an unwavering resilience, having bravely battled, and conquered gastric and lung cancer, a testament to his indomitable spirit. He was not just a survivor; he was a beacon of love and compassion to all who knew him. His firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and gave him peace. Jose was a migrant farm worker who worked throughout the United States before eventually settling down in Shiocton, WI in 1972. He was a selfless and humble man. He enjoyed his time farming with an unwavering work ethic that he passed onto his children. When Jose was not working, he could be found playing card games with his family and spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed maintaining his own garden and canning his delicious salsa which he shared with his family. During the summertime, if Jose was not in his garden, you could find him riding on his John Deere tractor either giving his grandchildren a ride around his property, or enjoying a cookout while the family played a game of volleyball. Words cannot express how much love Jose's heart had to give. His loving personality will always be remembered by those that knew him. His devotion to his family knew no bounds, and his presence brought warmth and joy to every gathering. Whether it was one last joke as you walked out the door or a blessing until the next time you met, a piece of Jose (Prieto) Polanco would stay with you.

Jose is survived by his wife of 57 years: Guadalupe (Moya) and their 8 children: Juan Polanco, Gumecinda (Kevin) Hagen, Robert (Jessica) Polanco, Leticia (Bill) Spencer, Maria (Domingo) Garcia, Mellisa (Ryan) DeBraal, Ruben Polanco & Alfredo (Natalie) Polanco. He is also survived by grandchildren: Pedro Puente, Domingo Garcia, Alyssa Polanco, Amanda Fritz, Valerie Sidon, Andrez Leon, Hannah Block, Brandon Spencer, Isaac Sidon, Monika Spencer, Kevin Hagen, Hudson Spencer, Jalen Polanco, Brady Johnson, Alexis & Nathan Garcia, Kayla Hagen, Mason & Madyson DeBraal, Gabriella Garcia & Ireland Ortegon, great grandchildren: Aleyda, Olivia, Aria, Peyton, Mila, and Rome, brother Guadalupe (Wally) Polanco, sister Isabel Mata, sister-in-law Maria Isabel Polanco, brother-in-law Jose Elias Garza, special nieces and nephews who treated Jose like he was their own father: Jose Torres, Alicia Balderas, Jesus Polanco, Margarito Polanco, many other loved nieces and nephews, special family friend Ana Rivera who was like a daughter to Jose.

He was preceded in death by his parents Margarito & Aniceta (Ozuna) Polanco, son Jose Jr., a grandchild Juan Jose "Gordo" Polanco Jr., 6 brothers, and 3 sisters. The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff on the 7th floor at ThedaCare Medical Center in Appleton for the excellent and compassionate care Jose received.

The Memorial Mass for Jose will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 19, 2024 at Ss Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Hortonville with Fr. Phil Schoofs officiating.  The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the mass.