Marion Ruth Pollatz, 87, formerly of Canadian Lakes, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Grandville, Michigan. 

She was born on May 14, 1937, in Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of Clarence and Amalia (Elfmann) Ude. After the early passing of her father, a Lutheran schoolteacher, Marion and her mother moved to the family farm in Maple Lake, Minnesota. There, she was lovingly raised among her grandparents, mother, aunt, uncle, and cousins—a close-knit family that remained dear to her throughout her life. 

Marion was baptized on May 21, 1937, and confirmed in her Christian faith on June 18, 1950. Her faith was a foundation of her life, guiding her actions and relationships throughout the years. 

Marion dedicated her life to teaching and ministry. She taught elementary school at St. John Lutheran School in Grand Haven, Michigan, and also in Texas, Illinois, and Nebraska. A devoted wife and partner in ministry, Marion married Rev. Raymond Pollatz on August 4, 1957. She served faithfully by his side as both a supportive spouse and church secretary, sharing in his calling and work. 

Her life was marked by creativity, adventure, and deep love for family. As a young girl and teenager, she loved roller skating, painting pottery and ceramics, sewing, and spending time with loved ones. She cherished family camping trips across the United States, and her travels later took her to Oberammergau, Germany, in 2000 and to the Holy Land—both journeys she deeply treasured. 

She is survived by her children: Victoria Hoffmann, Craig (Jeannette) Pollatz, Valerie (Gerry) Schmidt, and Brian (Beth) Pollatz; grandchildren: Robert (Michelle) Hoffmann, Thomas (Caitlin) Hoffmann, Daniel (Robyn) Hoffmann, Janina (Daniel) Greenwood, Collin (fiancée Diana) Pollatz, Rachel Schmidt, Benjamin Pollatz, and Bruce Pollatz; and four great-grandchildren, Andy, Nico, Thomas, and Lucas, and three more on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, son-in-law Robert Hoffmann, and grandson Benjamin Schmidt. 

A funeral service was held on Friday, April 11th, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church in Mecosta, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Marion was laid to rest next to her beloved husband Raymond in Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia on Monday, April 14th at 11:30 a.m. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marion’s name may be made to Concordia Theological Seminary (Ft. Wayne CTS) or Chapel of the Lakes Lutheran Church.