Obituary Information:

Donald “Don” Lorne Polnau

Dec 1, 1949 – July 25, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, step-pop and friend Donald “Don” Lorne Polnau passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 25, 2025 at the age of 75 after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.

He is survived by his loving wife Verlie Polnau who brought so much love and joy to Don’s life.  His twin sister Sharon Skaalerud, older by a mere 39 hours and looked after Donny through his lifetime; her three boys who he adored and bonded so closely with Darin (Sara) Doel, Shane Doel, and Ryan (Nonnee) Doel. His older sister Laureen Fisher, who helped mother young Donny; and her three children Joanne Fisher, affectionately known as the first one  born to make him an uncle, Lee (Michelle) Fisher, and Brenda (Stan) Nicolay. In addition to many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was step-pop to Verlie’s family; Debbie Langois, Kim (Len) McConnell, Kelly Davis, Jamie (Tammy) Biggs, Nancy Biggs, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Donald Lorne Polnau was born on December 1, 1949, in Eckville, Alberta to Willie and Mary Polnau of Leslieville. Don’s early days were spent on the family farm until his father’s health forced them to move to the town Leslieville in 1964. Don graduated from David Thompson High School in Canada’s Centennial year of 1967. Following high school he was employed with McGregor Telephone and Power and attended NAIT where he became a journeyman electrician. Following his graduation from NAIT in 1972, Don was offered a position working for the Alberta Wheat Pool based out of the Westlock Branch. Where he remained employed until his retirement with most of those years working out of the Pibroch location. Don has resided in Pibroch almost all of his adult life and is the place where he met his wife, Mary Polnau in . Following Mary’s passing in 2002 Don was lucky enough to have found love a second time when he was introduced to and married Verlie in October 2008. Don was known for his contagious smile, at times the mischievous look he had in his eyes and a bit of a daredevil in his younger days. He worked hard and played hard. He was passionate about gardening, sports, playing cards, and his family. He had a love for music, no one was better than The Man in Black – Johnny Cash. He was an avid sports fan and especially hockey. The Toronto Maple Leafs were a part of his DNA and he rarely missed listening to or watching a game.

Don was predeceased by his caring wife Mary Polnau, parents Wilhem “Willie” and Mary Polnau, big brother Lawrence Polnau, brother-in-laws Bernie Skaalerud and Gordon Fisher, good friend Ken Doel, and great-niece Kyla Megan Graham-Doel.

The family would like to especially thank Dr. Bernard, and all the staff from the East Wing at Westlock Healthcare Centre for their loving and attentive care of Don during his lengthy stay with them..

The Care Staff at Villa Marie Assisted Living in Red Deer. Don’s stay was brief, but you all made “Pops” feel welcome and at home from the moment he came through the front door.

And lastly, we also want to say thank you to all the staff at the Red Deer Hospice. Words will never be enough to thank you all for the amazing care and treatment Don received in his final days with us. There are truly Angels among us!

A graveside service to celebrate Don’s life took place at the Pibroch Cemetery on August 11, 2025 at 11:00am.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made in Don’s name to the Red Deer Hospice or the charity of your choosing.

• Date : 2025-07-25
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home and Celebration Centre