Florence Polesky

Florence Prairie Polesky was born on September 27, 1924, at Cottonwood, Minnesota, the sixth of eight children born to Edward and Leah (Blanchette) Prairie. She was raised on the family farm, educated in rural schools and Lynd High School. Her first job was with the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Marshall but she spent most of her working life at the Marshall Medical Center where she was office manager. After the Medical Center closed, she worked at the Lyon County Public Health office, the Marshall Public High School, and Montgomery Ward. She served as a union steward and notary public and for many years volunteered as an election judge. Her first marriage was to Michael J. Kelly. In February 1957, she married James E. Polesky, formerly of Russell. They were married for 51 years. Florence died on Monday, March 31, 2008, at the Prairie Home Hospice House in Marshall. Florence is survived by her husband, James; her daughter, Patricia Kelly Hall; two granddaughters, Elizabeth Anna Hall and Sarah Lindsay Hall; their father, William V. Hall—all of Minneapolis. She is also survived by one brother, George Prairie of Russell, sister Margery Van Overbeke of Marshall; sister, Dorothy Prairie Van Horn of Arizona, many cousins, and her beloved nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded by her first husband, her parents, two sisters (Delphine Savoie and Josephine Prairie), two brothers (Harry and Conrad Prairie), and two nephews. Florence enjoyed life, her family and her home. She enjoyed cooking and entertaining and was known as a gracious hostess. She had a great sense of humor and always welcomed a good joke. Her pastimes included music, reading and needlepoint. Funeral services are private. Memorials preferred to the Prairie Home Hospice House, Marshall.