obit-thumbnail

Constance Eleanor Dornfeld

November 6, 1923 - April 21, 2011

Connie Polzin Dornfeld, age 87, longtime reporter for the Daily Citizen and other area newspapers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Marvin”s Manor in Horicon with her family by her side. The writer, photographer, artist and mother suffered a stroke in November, 2009 and had been in declining health since then.

Constance Eleanor Dornfeld was born in Sault St. Marie, Ontario, Canada on Nov. 6, 1923 to Neil and Mildred (Gibson) McGregor. The family soon moved to Upper Michigan, where Connie graduated from high school in Ishpeming. As a young adult, Connie became a naturalized United States citizen and served in the Navy WAVES during World War II, attaining the rank of Yeoman First Class and receiving an honorable discharge.

Following the war Connie married Bill Polzin, with whom she had 3 children. While living in Berlin, Slinger and Fox Lake, Wisconsin she worked as a secretary in a law office, doctor”s office, and for the Fox Lake Public Schools. In Fox Lake, she also began occasionally writing articles for local newspapers.

After moving to Horicon in 1963, she briefly worked in the offices at John Deere. Soon, however, Connie began her newspaper career in earnest. She felt that there must be more going on in the city than she was reading about in the local weekly newspapers, so she contacted the Fond du Lac Commonwealth Reporter and offered to write about Horicon and vicinity for them. Within a year, that paper”s circulation in Horicon grew from a few copies to requiring the services of three high school boys to cover vast paper routes throughout the city.

Through her long career, Connie also wrote for the Horicon Reporter and the Beaver Dam Daily Citizen, until retiring in May of 2009 at the age of 85. Along the way, she received numerous awards from the Wisconsin Press Women and the National Federation of Press Women, for whom she also served at various times as President, Secretary and Treasurer. In 2009, she was awarded the Communicator of Achievement Award, the organization”s highest honor “bestowed upon those members who have distinguished themselves within and beyond their profession.”

As the usual age for retirement came and went, Connie was happily married to Harley Dornfeld and saw little reason to give up what she saw as her life”s purpose. Nothing motivated her as much as the opportunity to tell the stories of her friends and neighbors, making certain that their accomplishments, and all the school and government actions that affected them, were duly noted in the local press.

Although she dutifully sat through thousands of hours of school board and city council meetings for her stories, nothing made Connie happier than writing a report about a local student”s special achievement or a feature story about an area resident”s particular hobby or passion. Retirement was a choice that could wait; Horicon”s story had to be written today.

Connie received numerous local area awards for her reporting and community service, the latest being the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Horicon Rotary Club in 2009. In May of 2010 she was among the WWII Veterans taking the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight to Washington D.C.

During the 1970s, Connie took up oil painting and through the years became quite accomplished, creating hundreds of attractive canvases, many of which were sold at regional art fairs throughout Wisconsin.

Connie was a member of St. Stephen”s Lutheran Church of Horicon, the St. Stephen”s Ladies Guild, the Horicon Historical Society, Collector”s Clique of Wisconsin, the Fond du Lac Artist”s Association and Horicon American Legion Post No. 157. She enjoyed volunteering at the St. Stephen food pantry and Bethesda.

Connie is survived by her children Jeff (Jana) Traintime of Burbank, CA, Cherie Polzin of Horicon and Lori (Casey Van Dyk) Hefty of Oregon, WI, as well as three grandchildren, Jessica Hefty, Bryan Hefty and Cassie Polzin, and one great-grandchild, Gunther Roundy. She is further survived by other relatives and many friends.

Connie Dornfeld was preceded in death by her parents, her only sibling, Robert M. McGregor, and her loving husband Harlan Dornfeld, who passed away in 1992.

Connie”s family extends many grateful thanks to the staff of Marvin”s Manor for their outstanding care during Connie”s illness. Also thanks to Generations Hospice and Dr. Luy Tan.

Memorials may be made to St. Stephen”s Food Pantry, 505 N. Palmatory St., Horicon, WI 53032 or the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight, PO Box 636, Port Washington, WI 53074.

Visitation for Connie will be at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at church on Tuesday beginning at 5:00 PM. Rev. Daniel Seehafer will officiate. Military honors will be provided by the Horicon American Legion Post #157. Cremation will follow.

The Murray Funeral Home, 716 Clinton Street in Horicon, is caring for the family. To leave condolences, for directions, or for other information, please visit our website at www.MurrayFH.com.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011, 1:00pm – 5:00pm, St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church-Horicon

Service Details

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011, 5:00pm

Events
There are no events scheduled.

Connie Polzin Dornfeld, age 87, longtime reporter for the Daily Citizen and other area newspapers, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Marvin”s Manor in Horicon with her family by her side. The writer, photographer, artist and mother suffered a stroke in November, 2009 and had been in declining health since then. ConstanceContinue Reading

See Condolences
Plant a tree in memory of Constance
 An environmentally friendly option.
Bill and Sharon Dornfeld left a message on May 1, 2011:
We join with Dave and Barb in sending condolences to Jeff, Cherie and Lori, and the rest of Connie''s family. Bill and Sharon Dornfeld
Bill and Sharon Dornfeld left a message on May 1, 2011:
We join with Dave and Barb in sending condolences to Jeff, Cherie and Lori, and the rest of Connie''s family. Bill and Sharon Dornfeld
David Dornfeld left a message on April 30, 2011:
To Connie''s Family- We just read about Connie''s passing in the Pioneer. Our sympathies and condolences to her family and many friends in Horicon. She had a very large impact on the community and was a constant supporter of the local schools, sports, civic organizations and local businesses for so many years. She will be missed by all. David and Barbara Dornfeld
David Dornfeld left a message on April 30, 2011:
To Connie''s Family- We just read about Connie''s passing in the Pioneer. Our sympathies and condolences to her family and many friends in Horicon. She had a very large impact on the community and was a constant supporter of the local schools, sports, civic organizations and local businesses for so many years. She will be missed by all. David and Barbara Dornfeld
R G SHARKEY, THE BIG SHARK left a message on April 27, 2011:
TO THE CONNIE POLZIN DORNFELD FAMILY-----MY SINCEREST CONDELENCES TO EACH OF YOU. CONNIE WAS A TRUE FRIEND SINCE OUR EARLY CONVERSATIONS. SHE WAS A VERY CAPABLE REPORTER FOR SEVERAL AREA NEWSPAPERS AND, IF I HAD A ? ABOUT ONE OF HER ARTICLES, I COULD CALL, LEAVE MY CALL-BACK NUMBER AND SHE WOULD RETRUN EACH CALL. IN FACT, WHEN I DECIDED TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF OUR FINE CITY OF HORICON, SHE BECAME MY PRESS SECRETRAY AND WE WON THE ELECTION. CANNOT IMAGINE HOW SHE MANAGED TO ATTEND ALL OF THE MEETINGS, PREP HER PRESS RELEASES AND MANAGE TO GET ANY SLEEP AT ALL. WHEN I DECIDED TO SPEAK AT ANY MEETING, COUNCIL OR SCHOOL BOARD OF INFO MEETING I WOULD PREPARE NOTES OR A VERTBATIM TEXT AND WOULD ALWAYS GIVE A COPY TO CONNIE. SHE WOULD ALWAYS APPRECIATE ANY "HEADS UP" I COULD GIVE HER DURING MY MANY YEARS AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. WE DIDN''T ALWAYS AGREE ON CERTAIN ITEMS BUT WE ALWAYS KNEW WHERE WE STOOD ON ANY PUBLIC ISSUE. SOME OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES WEREN''T ALWAYS COURTEOUS AND COOPERATIVE W/HER BUT SHE LEARNED TO ROLL W/THE PUNCHES. THE LAST TIME I SHOOK HANDS W/CONNIE WAS AT THE VERTERAN''S DAY CELEBRATION AT THE HORICON HIGH GYM THIS PAST FALL. SHE WAS IN A WHEEL CHAIR AND WHEN WE SHOOK HANDS, THERE WERE TEARS IN HER EYES. CONNIE WAS NOT ONLY A FRIEND BUT A PROFESSIONAL IN WHATEVER SHE DID. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY----INCLUDING THE BIG SHARK!!!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
R G SHARKEY, THE BIG SHARK left a message on April 27, 2011:
TO THE CONNIE POLZIN DORNFELD FAMILY-----MY SINCEREST CONDELENCES TO EACH OF YOU. CONNIE WAS A TRUE FRIEND SINCE OUR EARLY CONVERSATIONS. SHE WAS A VERY CAPABLE REPORTER FOR SEVERAL AREA NEWSPAPERS AND, IF I HAD A ? ABOUT ONE OF HER ARTICLES, I COULD CALL, LEAVE MY CALL-BACK NUMBER AND SHE WOULD RETRUN EACH CALL. IN FACT, WHEN I DECIDED TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF OUR FINE CITY OF HORICON, SHE BECAME MY PRESS SECRETRAY AND WE WON THE ELECTION. CANNOT IMAGINE HOW SHE MANAGED TO ATTEND ALL OF THE MEETINGS, PREP HER PRESS RELEASES AND MANAGE TO GET ANY SLEEP AT ALL. WHEN I DECIDED TO SPEAK AT ANY MEETING, COUNCIL OR SCHOOL BOARD OF INFO MEETING I WOULD PREPARE NOTES OR A VERTBATIM TEXT AND WOULD ALWAYS GIVE A COPY TO CONNIE. SHE WOULD ALWAYS APPRECIATE ANY "HEADS UP" I COULD GIVE HER DURING MY MANY YEARS AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. WE DIDN''T ALWAYS AGREE ON CERTAIN ITEMS BUT WE ALWAYS KNEW WHERE WE STOOD ON ANY PUBLIC ISSUE. SOME OF THE CHAIRPERSONS OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES WEREN''T ALWAYS COURTEOUS AND COOPERATIVE W/HER BUT SHE LEARNED TO ROLL W/THE PUNCHES. THE LAST TIME I SHOOK HANDS W/CONNIE WAS AT THE VERTERAN''S DAY CELEBRATION AT THE HORICON HIGH GYM THIS PAST FALL. SHE WAS IN A WHEEL CHAIR AND WHEN WE SHOOK HANDS, THERE WERE TEARS IN HER EYES. CONNIE WAS NOT ONLY A FRIEND BUT A PROFESSIONAL IN WHATEVER SHE DID. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY----INCLUDING THE BIG SHARK!!!
Maria Bislew left a message on April 26, 2011:
Dear Family I just heard that Connie had passed away and just want to send my deepest condolences. Connie was the cheerleader for the Horicon School District. She made each story come alive and made each subject feel special. The students always wanted to know if the lady with the red glasses was coming to cover one of their events. We didn''t even have to call Connie to cover an event, because she stopped at the school each day to find out what was going on. Connie was a very special reporter that had a keen eye for news and fantastic shorthand, so she never missed a beat. She was so proud of her children and we know they were devoted to her. May your hearts be a little lightet that she left the world a lot better because of her dedication and love. Maria and Larry Bislew
Tom Schultz left a message on April 26, 2011:
Good morning, The Beaver Dam Citizen just crossed my desk this morning and I saw that our newspaper friend Connie Dornfeld had died. She was a special friend over the years and I bumped into her often as we covered some of the same stories. She was always pleasant and had positive words for everyone. Some of those meetings got a bit long and occasionally a little boring, but it was always more fun knowing Connie was right there doing the same things. We occasionally shared our information as a way to make both of our reports better. At the Beaver Dam Citizen Jim Kelsh has been a solid friend as was my dear friend Bill Connors, Bob Kahelski and others that all knew Connie well. It''s always hard to lose your mom but you can take comfort knowing that she touched the lives of many people, and her reporting made Dodge County a better place. You can also take comfort knowing she''s out of this world of pain and suffering and is living in perfection in heaven. You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Tom Schultz managing editor Watertown Daily Times
Maria Bislew left a message on April 26, 2011:
Dear Family I just heard that Connie had passed away and just want to send my deepest condolences. Connie was the cheerleader for the Horicon School District. She made each story come alive and made each subject feel special. The students always wanted to know if the lady with the red glasses was coming to cover one of their events. We didn''t even have to call Connie to cover an event, because she stopped at the school each day to find out what was going on. Connie was a very special reporter that had a keen eye for news and fantastic shorthand, so she never missed a beat. She was so proud of her children and we know they were devoted to her. May your hearts be a little lightet that she left the world a lot better because of her dedication and love. Maria and Larry Bislew
Tom Schultz left a message on April 26, 2011:
Good morning, The Beaver Dam Citizen just crossed my desk this morning and I saw that our newspaper friend Connie Dornfeld had died. She was a special friend over the years and I bumped into her often as we covered some of the same stories. She was always pleasant and had positive words for everyone. Some of those meetings got a bit long and occasionally a little boring, but it was always more fun knowing Connie was right there doing the same things. We occasionally shared our information as a way to make both of our reports better. At the Beaver Dam Citizen Jim Kelsh has been a solid friend as was my dear friend Bill Connors, Bob Kahelski and others that all knew Connie well. It''s always hard to lose your mom but you can take comfort knowing that she touched the lives of many people, and her reporting made Dodge County a better place. You can also take comfort knowing she''s out of this world of pain and suffering and is living in perfection in heaven. You have my deepest sympathy on your loss. Tom Schultz managing editor Watertown Daily Times
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Staff (U.S. Fish and Wildlife left a message on April 25, 2011:
Our sympathies to Connie''s family. We remember her fondly as she covered many events for the Refuge, and always wrote very accurate and well-written articles. She was an amazing lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terri Pederson left a message on April 25, 2011:
I''m the girl who convinced her to get rid of the red framed glasses. I was a new reporter at the Daily Citizen when I met her. I love her so much. Her spirit is so beautiful there is no ending to it. A friend who I will always know exists inside of me and in all of you. I wanted to visit but I never did. I''m sorry. She was so proud of all of you. She talked about you often. So sorry, she was amazing.
Horicon National Wildlife Refuge Staff (U.S. Fish and Wildlife left a message on April 25, 2011:
Our sympathies to Connie''s family. We remember her fondly as she covered many events for the Refuge, and always wrote very accurate and well-written articles. She was an amazing lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terri Pederson left a message on April 25, 2011:
I''m the girl who convinced her to get rid of the red framed glasses. I was a new reporter at the Daily Citizen when I met her. I love her so much. Her spirit is so beautiful there is no ending to it. A friend who I will always know exists inside of me and in all of you. I wanted to visit but I never did. I''m sorry. She was so proud of all of you. She talked about you often. So sorry, she was amazing.
Shannon Seering Keach left a message on April 23, 2011:
To The Family Of Connie, Your mom was a very special woman. When I was growing up in Horicon, your mom was always at school, girlscout outings or what ever covering it for the paper. She was a very special lady to talk to and she will be greatly missed. The lord has a very special angel in heaven now, I hope that knowing she''s at peace will help you through this time of grief. Peace to you all, Shannon Seering Keach and family
Charlotte Burrow left a message on April 23, 2011:
My sincere condolences to Connie''s family, in the passing of a truly remarkable lady! I have very fond memories of Connie - I can picture her, camera and notepad in hand- dashing about whatever event she happened to be at. She was a true asset to our community.
Shannon Seering Keach left a message on April 23, 2011:
To The Family Of Connie, Your mom was a very special woman. When I was growing up in Horicon, your mom was always at school, girlscout outings or what ever covering it for the paper. She was a very special lady to talk to and she will be greatly missed. The lord has a very special angel in heaven now, I hope that knowing she''s at peace will help you through this time of grief. Peace to you all, Shannon Seering Keach and family
Charlotte Burrow left a message on April 23, 2011:
My sincere condolences to Connie''s family, in the passing of a truly remarkable lady! I have very fond memories of Connie - I can picture her, camera and notepad in hand- dashing about whatever event she happened to be at. She was a true asset to our community.
Elaine Koehn left a message on April 22, 2011:
To Connie''s family. I worked at the Daily Citizen with Connie for nearly 40 years. I had the pleasure of typing all those wonderful stories she pumped out on that old typewriter of hers. But her stories were always interesting and perfect. God rest her soul going home during Holy Week.
Elaine Koehn left a message on April 22, 2011:
To Connie''s family. I worked at the Daily Citizen with Connie for nearly 40 years. I had the pleasure of typing all those wonderful stories she pumped out on that old typewriter of hers. But her stories were always interesting and perfect. God rest her soul going home during Holy Week.
Koepsell Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More