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On January 5th 2025 Polly Jane Simpson passed away. Polly was born in Charles City Iowa on April 23, 1937. A daughter to Frank and Dorothy Grace, Polly was the oldest of two children. She was raised in the small Iowa town of Greene, Iowa and graduated from Marble Rock High School with a graduating class of 20 students. She went to a Junior college in Des Moines, Iowa where she met her husband, Larry Simpson. Married for 25 yrs to Larry and they had 2 children, Sherry and Jay. Sherry precedes Polly in death having contracted cancer at the age of 15 and passing in 1989 at the age of 30.
After her divorce Polly worked various jobs from Bartending at the New Richmond Golf Course and the New Richmond Bowling Alley as well as driving van for the New Richmond Health Center. During these years she coached the NR High School Girls Basketball team taking them to state. In many ways her social circles developed from those jobs but what she will be most remembered for is her work/passion in the New Richmond Continuing Education program teaching Dog Obedience. Dogs were her true love and passion. For MANY years Polly was a fixture in this role and whether it was Dog Obedience or Puppy Manners she was there. Most of the time she remembered the dog’s name before the owners. While teaching for the NR Continuing Ed program Polly started and ran her dog grooming business out of her home on the edge of town. For many years this was her primary source of income. Eventually, the physical demands of dog grooming became too much, and she began what she calls her 2nd life – Border Collies and Sheep Herding and if you were in her immediate circle, you heard all about it, all the time. Polly pursued this new adventure with passion. Not only did she compete but she gave herding lessons too, attracting local clients as well as many from the Twin Cities. Polly did this for 15+ years with the same gusto she brought to dog obedience and puppy manners.
Polly is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Dorothy Grace; daughter, Sherry Nelson; and daughter-in-law, Marjean A. Simpson. She is survived by her brother, Marvin Grace; son, Jay; and seven grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, Noah, Nicholas, Lydia, Andrew and Audrey as well as three great grandchildren.
For those that knew Polly well, it’s fair to say, she didn’t mince words and she lived life on her terms. She lived a full life with many friends who often stopped in to see her and have a fudge bar. She will miss you all.
A Visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Avenue New Richmond WI 54017). A Graveside Service will be on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 4:30PM in Saint Patrick Cemetery in Erin Prairie. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
17 Comments
Polly, you were one in a million. We will miss you
Polly, the herding community is missing you. I always looked forward to seeing you at the Labor Day trial each year. I will miss you.
My deepest sympathy to her family. Polly was the local herding community matriarch – giving lessons, often hosting trials and clinics at her farm. She loved her family and her animals, especially her border collies. She was generous, fun and had a wicked sense of humor and we all loved her. She will be dearly missed.
Condolences and prayers for the family. Polly lived life to the fullest and never mixed words, such a character. She brought joy to many and will be missed. Godspeed Polly.
Polly you were a one of a kind lady. Scott and I loved and respected you so very much for a very long time. A guiding hand and full of delightful vim and vigor. We shared a good laugh every time we met. Thank you Polly. Rest easy. You have earned it.
Polly was one of a kind. I always enjoyed working dogs with her and having her telling me the hundred and one things I was doing wrong (usually correct). She was tough as nails on the outside but funny and kind and helped so many people find their feet with dogs and herding, and helped many other people in other ways. Her special bond with Picca is something I admired and will always remember. She will be missed.
Polly was a spark plug at New Richmond High School as Vocational Department secretary and Girls Basketball coach. She was so animated and passionate. Great person!
When I was 6 years old a new young family called the Simpsons moved in to, and gave new life to the old Foreman Farm. There were even two kids around my age and they loved horses and dogs! Many of my childhood memories involve Sherry and Jay. We spent hours upon hours together having all kinds of adventures. The McNamara girls even wore a path through the ditch as a way to have a shortcut to the Simpsons because it took too long to go down the driveway to ride our bikes back and forth to play. Polly had a strong work ethic. She coached the NRHS girls basketball team to participate in the first girls state basketball tournament in the state of WI in 1976. My sister Patricia (Bucky) was a member of that talented team. Polly was a tough and committed coach and had a deep tradition in girl’s basketball, as she grew up in Iowa. I smile to think of Polly and Sherry reunited in heaven now. Rest In Peace, Polly, Sending love from all the McNamaras.
Polly, I’m sure going to miss your visits and chats Rest, my friend,or do whatever you want; 🙂 you were an inspiration to many and will be missed. Til we meet again
Polly was a great neighbor…also having the kids in 4 H…truly a great asset to our community…and her ever ending smile
Polly and I had many good times together. She was a dear lady who I will miss dearly. I would stay with her while attending herding clinics or trials in the Twin Cities. We had many wonderful talks, enjoyed fantastic dinners and took a few road trips to train our trial. We also some training at her farm many times. She was helpful, knowledgeable, hard working and funny. I will always remember those good times Polly, you were one in a million.
Dear Polly, what a bright and shining light you were in this world! You were a genuine treasure and a woman who lived her life with gusto and authenticity! I always respected you for your honesty and your passion. May you rest in well deserved peace my friend.
I have so many fond memories of Polly! I was on her Flyball team, the Canine Dirt Diggers. Rode with her a few times to a tournament. It could be a white knuckle ride at times. She said “stop signs are only a suggestion!” She also had to answer the phone as soon as it rang. “Robert Redford might be calling” and she didn’t want to miss his call! Such a character, she lived life to the fullest. RIP!
Polly was to be admired for a person that followed through with her dreams regardless of the obstacles. You’re going to missed.
Dear Polly, my friend and second mom. I miss you so much already. I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there with you in the last weeks. I’m so far away and I know you’d say you continue on your journey. So this year my trials are in your honor and I pray I can make you proud. I’m not sure what I will do without you around to share my happiest times and ask your opinion on my problems. You were always there for me with encouragement and hugs when I was sad. All I can do now is say thank you for being my honest and loyal friend. I’m sure you are in heaven with Picca and your past dogs working sheep and visiting with Sherry. I know how much you missed her. Now it’s your turn to rest in the peace of our Lord Polly. But I’m sure you’re arranging things up there so it all works smoothly. Goodbye for now Polly until we meet again. Love Rose🐾💔🐾
My sympathies to Polly’s family. I will miss her so much! She was always there with a smile! She always has words of wisdom whether it was about dog herding or life in general. I’m happy she’s with her daughter now, she was such a wonderful soul! You are missed, Polly!
My fondest childhood memories was spending time with the Simpson family. The countless hours at sporting events, horse shows, horse back riding, ice skating, sledding and so much more. Polly was the greatest basketball coach. She instilled in me to always believe in myself, do my best and never give up. I’ll always be grateful to her for all of the life lessons she taught me. Till we meet again. Rest in peace. Bucky
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