HOISINGTON — Thomas Edward ‘Tom’ Polzin, 77, died May 10, 2026, at his home in Hoisington, Kan. He was born March 27, 1949, the son of Joseph and Dorothy (Schremmer) Polzin. Tom graduated from Claflin High School in 1967 and entered the Army in 1968 serving in the Vietnam War as a SP4 and receiving the Purple Heart for wounds received in action. Upon returning home he worked for awhile at Kansas Brick and Tile. Later he worked trimming trees for Davey Tree Service for 20 years before spending 15 years as a custodian with the City of Hoisington until his retirement.

Tom was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. A proud veteran he was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #286 and the V.F.W. #6240 serving both as post commander. He was also a member of the Disabled Veterans of America.

He is survived by six siblings, Delphine Hickey and husband Bill of Hoisington, Nancy Mater and husband Kenny of Olathe, Charlotte Hahn and husband Joe of Hanston, Duane Polzin and wife Patty of Hoisington, Randy Polzin of Hoisington, and Kevin Polzin and wife Tammy of Galatia; sister-in-law, Barbara Polzin of Hoisington; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Polzin; and beloved dog, T.J.

Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with family to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary to begin at 7:30 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hoisington, Kan., celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery, Hoisington, Kan. Military Honors will be conducted by Ft. Riley Army Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to American Legion Post #286 or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544. Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O. Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 12, 2026