Obituary of Gregory Michael Polzin

POLZIN, Gregory Michael, PhD, of Norcross, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 in Atlanta, GA. He was 41 years of age. Gregory Michael Polzin was born on January 11, 1970 in Saginaw, MI to Michael and Linda (May) Polzin. He married Sheila Grifka on July 18, 1998 at St. Mary Cathedral in Saginaw. She survives him. Gregory graduated from Douglas McArthur High School in 1988. In 1993 he graduated with his Bachelor's Degree from Saginaw Valley State University and later Gregory attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, receiving his PhD., in 2000. He was employed as a Research Chemist with The Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Gregory was a member of Mary Our Queen Catholic Church in Norcross, GA and a former member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. He enjoyed water sports, fishing, golfing and Badger football. Surviving to cherish his memory are his wife; Sheila, two daughters; McKenzie and Grace Polzin, parents; Michael and Linda Polzin of Saginaw, a sister; Amy (Michael) Koeing of San Francisco, CA, a mother-in-law; Elaine Grifka, two brothers-in-law; Joseph Grifka and Michael (Amanda) Grifka, two sisters-in-law; Maria (Jeff) Williams and Theresa Grifka, three nieces; Ruby Koenig, Abigail and Emily Grifka. Also surviving are aunts and uncles; James (Sue) May, Patricia (Carmen) Washburn and John (Kerri Millet, DDS) Polzin, DDS and many cousins and close friends. Gregory was preceded in death by his grandparents; Milton and Edna May and Raymond and Bernice Polzin, a father-in-law; James Grifka and an uncle; Laurence May. FUNERAL- Gregory's Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 9. 2011 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State St. Rev. Fr. Richard Jozwiak will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION- Friends are welcome to visit with Gregory's family on Monday, August 8, 2011 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service honoring Gregory will be held at the funeral home at 7:00 p.m. Monday evening. Gregory will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Mass. MEMORIALS- Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas School educational programs. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Gregory's family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.