Jean Smith Polkowske — Bradenton, Fla.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Jean Smith Polkowske, 87, of Bradenton, Fla., formerly of Stewartville, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Stewartville, with the Rev. John Wilmot officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Mrs. Polkowske died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013, of natural causes in Bradenton.

Jean Marie Smith was born Dec. 30, 1925, in Rochester, to Leroy and Matilda (Weber) Smith. She grew up in Stewartville, attended school there, graduating from Stewartville High School in 1943. She then attended and graduated from nursing school. Jean was married in November 1947 in Stewartville, to Max Polkowske. Mr. Polkowske was enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the time of their marriage and the couple moved often as he continued his career as a navy pilot. Jean was a homemaker and also had a long career as a registered nurse. After retiring from the U.S. Navy, the Polkowskes farmed in Independence, Wis., before moving to Florida in 1978. Mr. Polkowske died in 2002.

Jean was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bradenton and was a member of the Sacred Heart Ladies Guild, Sacred Heart Rosary Makers and it's Adoration Chapel. She also belonged to AARP and was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, needlework and time spent with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include one daughter and six sons, David (Carol) of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Leroy (Jan) of La Jara, Colo., John of Trempealeau, Wis., Nicholas (Micky) of Portage, Wis., Joseph (Shirley) of Chetek, Wis., Robert (Chris) of Durand, Wis., and Gail (Tom) Keene of Trempealeau, Wis., a sister, Patricia Hass of Bradenton, Fla.; 19 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Max and grandson, Michael.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday morning.

Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. griffin-gray.com .