Jerome “Jerry” Henry Polman entered eternal rest May 26, 2013.
Jerry was born in Kimberly, Wisconsin in 1929 to John and Ann (Sweere) Polman . Jerry was a 3rd Class Petty Officer aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Lake Champlaign during the Korean War. He was an “engine man” responsible for the main engine on the ship, a trade that would serve him well throughout his life. After the war, Jerry went on to become a superintendent with Kimberly Clark Paper Mills in his home state of Wisconsin. Moving to Georgia in 1981 Jerry became involved in the homebuilding business and was a general contractor until his retirement in the late 90’s. Living and boating on Lake Lanier for the past quarter century, Jerry was a champion fisherman well known for his secret recipe of herbs and spices made his fish fry a much coveted invitation. He was also an avid outdoorsman who spent many hours in the woods hunting a variety of animals. He often remarked that Mother Nature was his religion and he was a faithful steward of her trust . He always respected the beauty of the out of doors and the more extreme the conditions, the deeper his respect for his surroundings. Jerry found great pleasure in simple things, a healthy vegetable garden, a soaking rain and a ride across the lake as the sun comes up.
He left the world with the love of many survivors who will hold his memory close. His wife, Gwen Ivy Polman. Daughters Pam (Marty) Daly, Lily (Bob) Hahn, Jackie Rogers, Jill (John) Graffio, and Holly (Brad) Sims, and his sons, Jeff (Martha) Polman and Matthew (Kirsten) Polman and 22 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Jerry will also be deeply missed by his dear friends, Kristie Myers and Kay Goodwin.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday May 28, 2013 at 5 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Bobby Whitmire will officiate.
The family will receive friends Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Dawson County Kiwanis Club,( c/o Regina Varnadoe, United Community Bank, P. O. Box 159, Dawsonville, GA 30534) who will be placing an outdoor memorial in his memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.