Hazel J. Pontnak, 93, of Polo, passed away Sunday, January 9, 2022 at Provena St. Joseph Center in Freeport.
Hazel was born Nov. 3, 1928, in Polo, the daughter of Burl and Bessie (Hoffman) Wagner. She attended Polo school and after school Hazel worked at the Polo Garment Factory. She and her sister Betty Palmer went to Rockford School of Modeling in 1946. They modeled from 1946 to 1950 for the Bracken Style Shop in Polo under the direction of Helen Bentley. For Magazines they would model Burton & Bows, Gibson Girl and The Poodle Skirt. Hazel met and married Delmar Lee Pontnak on June 28, 1950 at St. Marks Lutheran Church. Hazel worked for the Polo Elementary School for 21 years. She was a 72 year member of St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo. She enjoyed bowling and loved animals, especially her parrot Sammy which she had for over 38 years.
Survivors include son Rick (Diane) Pontnak of Las Vegas; step-grandson Dr. Ken (Toni) Elchholz of Freeport and their two children Ben and Katie Eichholz.
She was preceded in death by husband Delmar; sons Terry and Matt Edward Pontnak; step-grandson Kirk Daniel Eichholz; her Sisters and Brothers.
The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Marks Lutheran Church, 201 N. Division Ave., Polo with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to start of the service. Burial will be at Fairmount Cemetery, Polo.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to St. Marks Lutheran Church in Polo or Provena St. Joseph Center in Freeport.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
