Frederick Adam Polzin

Frederick A. "Fritz" Polzin, 91, died peacefully at home on February 11, 2025, in Zion, IL. He was born on June 8, 1933, in Franklin Park, Illinois, son of Frederick and Evelyn (Murray) Polzin. 

After graduation from Zion-Benton in 1951, he worked for the county in various jobs and served in the U.S. Army. Returning home, he became a union bricklayer, a career that spanned his lifetime and included both union and independent work. He also owned and operated Fritz’s Corner, his father’s namesake, until 1991. He was a member of the Zion-Benton Moose Lodge, the Winthrop Harbor Lion’s Club, and was an active member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsman Union in Lake County. 

A model railroad enthusiast, he shared his love of HO trains with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone else who would listen. He also had an obsession for gardening – specifically tomatoes and raspberries, by which he will be remembered given the abundant supply still in the freezer. He also enjoyed working on puzzles and sudoku, and meeting friends for coffee every morning.

He is survived by his children; Lynda Smith, Dennis (Jeni Freeman) Polzin, Elizabeth (Tracy) Hawks, Patience (Zenio) Krutyholowa, and Nancy Polzin; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and one sister, Pamela (Butch) Warren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Mary Inez Louise; wife, Myrtle B. (Allstrom) Polzin; sister, Jeannie (Raymond) Connell; and son-in-law Larry Smith.