Mary Ellen Polge

MARY ELLEN POLGE was born Mary Eleanor Landingham on June 20, 1923 to Charles Wesley and Rilla Belle (d’Happert) Landingham in Centerville, Iowa. It was in Centerville she was raised and received her education. After her graduation from Centerville High School in 1940, she moved to Kansas City, Kansas and became employed as a chocolate dipper for Russell Stover Candy. On June 30, 1942 she was united in marriage to Harry McGinnis in Kansas City. Following their marriage, Mary Ellen continued to work at Russell Stover. On October 25, 1954 she was united in marriage to Bill Polge. After their marriage they lived in Kansas City where she remained an employee of Russell Stover until August of 1958. Bill preceded her death on December 3, 1987. Following his death, Mary Ellen continued to live in Kansas City. Then in 1998 she began spending the winter months in Texas. While there she met her good friends, Allen and Lillian Willers from Luverne, Minnesota. When Mary Ellen became ill from cancer in 2001, she sold her home in Kansas City and moved to the Oaks in Luverne. On Tuesday, June, 25, 2013 Mary Ellen died peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage at the age of 90 years and five days.

Mary Ellen was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her friends at The Oaks.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Jimmie D. McGinnis and his wife Linda of Grand Marais, Minnesota; and her dear friends, Allen and Lillian Willers of Luverne, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill.