Alex Andrew Polfliet was born on March 28, 1921, near Walnut Grove to John and Leona (DeSleer) Polfliet. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church. On January 21, 1941, he was united in marriage to Lucille Buysse at the St. Clotilde Catholic Church in Green Valley.
Alex farmed nearly 600 acres just outside of Marshall with the help of his pride and joy: 13 children. Upon moving into town, he worked at Bill’s Oliver. Upon his full time retirement, he was able to devote his time to his avocation, tending to his tomato plants that were so tall they had to be harvested on a step ladder. He loved his time planting, nurturing and harvesting in that small little triangle just outside the back door. Alex always loved returning to his farming roots by visits to other farmers and an evening playing cards where more than once during the evening he was sure to say to Mom, “Ceil, that’s cheating.†And Mom would reply, “Not on purpose.â€
Alex found great joy in crafting Barbie Doll furniture in his garage work shop, then heading off to a craft sale and being totally humbled by large orders for his treasures.
He dearly loved the people that touched his life. In his younger years, Alex also delighted in fishing. In his later years, he delighted even more recalling those stories with a twinkle in his eyes and a smirk on his face, and some slight embellishments.
Alex died on Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota.
He is survived by his children: Yvonne Caron of Taunton, Patricia (and Robert) Roering of Alexandria, Judy (and George) Marlow of Hibbing, David (and Sue) Polfliet of New Brighton, Nancy (and Dean) Chanay of Vero Beach, FL, James Polfliet of Renville, Robert (and Deb) Polfliet of Orangeburg, SC, Helen (and Tom) Schultz of Aurora, CO, Susan (and Joe) Nagel of Little Falls, Mark (and Crystal) Polfliet of Snowcamp, NC, and Donald (and Mary Jo) Polfliet of St. Cloud. He leaves behind 29 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, in 2008, and daughters Bernadette and Janet and all of his brothers and sisters.
