Virgil V. Polinske

Virgil Vernon Polinske of Afton, MN, originally Osseo, WI, passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer on May 2, 2026 at the age of 75. He was surrounded by his wife, his children and their families, and best friend.

Born in Eau Claire, WI on August 22, 1950 to Vernon (Buck) and Mildred (Millie) Polinske, Virgil’s early years were spent in the rural areas of Western Wisconsin, first in Bear’s Grass, then Augusta, before his parents took over the family dairy farm in Otter Creek Township. He spent his youth doing daily chores and working as hired help on other local farms. The work ethic he developed here stayed with him throughout his life.

After graduating from Osseo-Fairchild High School in 1968, Virgil went on to the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire where he studied Math and Psychology. It was in the school’s computer lab where he took a job that led to a career in the computer industry. Upon graduation in 1972, he went to work for Sperry Univac. He spent 40+ years with the company that eventually became Unisys. Virgil often joked that he worked for 10 different companies, but never moved his desk. He worked in various groups throughout his career, including defense systems (navy and air force) and airline logistics. These roles gave him the opportunity to both travel and live abroad, including travel to most U.S. Naval Bases, two three-year stints in Germany and six months in Japan. He retired in 2015.

His life was lived fully, with his love, his wife Jackie by his side. They had four children together and spent most of their married life living in Afton, MN. Virgil enjoyed all of his kids’ activities as they grew up: cheering loudly from the sidelines of soccer games, coaching and volunteering for youth soccer programs, and appreciating choir, band and orchestra concerts. When grandchildren became the next great joy of his life, he could be found cheering with the same enthusiasm at soccer games, tennis matches, and appreciating the arts from the audience at band performances, choir concerts, and musicals. His six grandchildren brought him energy, joy, love and pride until the very end.

Virgil’s love for the arts followed him into retirement. He and his best friend Pete began playing music together on a weekly basis. Pete would play guitar and Virgil would sing. They took their two-man show on the road, performing at care centers throughout the St. Croix Valley and beyond. Their repertoire included over 2,000 favorite songs from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, spiritual songs, novelty songs, and western ballads. Virgil was known to have a selection of jokes that would often make Pete roll his eyes!

He never lost his love for travel, and Virgil took many memorable road trips with Jackie after they both retired. A multi-week western road trip, trips with friends to Texas and a favorite trip to Nashville were among the highlights. He even took a trip back to Germany with his childhood friend Bob to visit people they had met during a backpacking trip in 1976! Often, Virgil and Jackie made shorter day trips, always stopping to visit with family and friends along the way. His children could always count on a road-trip selfie of him and mom from the local hole-in-the-wall that Virgil fondly sought out.

A love for Wisconsin sports was another big part of Virgil’s life. While he followed some teams more casually, the Packers and Badgers inspired special attention. He would faithfully (obsessively) read articles from the teams’ website to keep up on the latest news. He loved the radio broadcast of the games, and would turn down the TV volume and put on headphones to listen to the radio. Virgil would recap games with his brothers and brothers-in-law, sure to analyze what the coaches could have and should have done!

Faith was important to Virgil and he was a dedicated man of God, serving in various roles as an active member at his home congregation of St. Peter Lutheran church in Afton. He was an elder, served as congregational president, and spearheaded various projects including the refurbishment of the church pipe organ. He had strength and assurance that a better place awaited him.

Virgil will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife Jackie; his children Steve (Maggie) Polinske of New Brighton, Veronica (Nick) Northey of Hudson, WI, Paul (Jessica) Polinske of River Falls, WI and Rob Polinske (Sandi Bello) of Richfield; his grandchildren Jailyn, Aubrey, Kierra and Malachi Polinske and Millie and Walter Northey; his mother Millie Polinske of Osseo, WI; his brothers Mike Polinske and Dale Polinske both of Osseo, WI; his sister Jane Thoma of Chippewa Falls; many in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father Vernon, his brother Doug, his sister Dawn and three infant sisters: Susan, Judy and Jean.

Service Monday, May 18, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 880 Neal Avenue South, Afton. Visitation Sunday, May 17, 2026, 2:00-5:00 P.M. at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater and also one hour prior to the service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Virgil’s honor to Belwin Conservancy, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) or Twin Cities Public Television (TPT).