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William Paul Polhamus

Viola Grenz Obituary

Viola Polhamus, Given by God 1/27/24, Returned to God 3/22/16. She was born to Philip and Johana Grenz in Hazelton, North Dakota, and raised on a farm as one of 15 children.
At age 16, she moved to Seattle and two years later met the love of her life, William. She gave birth to 6 children, but raised dozens. Loving children was her mission in life, and no one did it better. We watched her open her heart to foster babies, teens with no hope and no future, nurturing and caring for anyone in need. Her love was unconditional.

She lived a life of service, caring for the elderly in nursing homes, children at daycare, neighbors in need, and the marginalized in our community. Mom was the jewel of our family, our truest treasure, our most honored matriarch, a doting Grandma. We remain forever grateful for her love, her teaching, her example, and her spirit.

Viola was preceded in death by 13 siblings, beloved husband, William Paul (2001), and precious daughter, Paulette (1964).

She leaves behind her daughters, Janette (Norm), Penny (Devon), Teri (Ed), Anna (Al), and son,

William Paul Polhamus Obituary

William Paul Polhamus, 79, of Bremerton died Feb. 9, 2001, at home.

He was born April 10, 1921, in Seattle to William and Alexina (Bourgette) Polhamus. He graduated in 1939 from O'Dea High School in Seattle.

He married Viola Grenz on March 8, 1943, in Bremerton.

He served in the Coast Guard as a cook for approximately four years.

He was a machinist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 35 years, retiring in 1976. He also had been an instructor at PSNS in the machinist apprenticeship program.

He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Elks in Bremerton.

He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Joe of Belfair; four daughters, Janette Paulson of Port Orchard, Penny Blankenship of Suquamish, Terri Edwards of Las Vegas and Anna Harlan of Bremerton; 15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Paulette.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Arrangements are by Miller-Woodlawn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ronald McDonald House, 5000 40th Ave. NE, Seattle, WA 98105.