Polly A. Gottfried
Polly was born in Milwaukee on September 4, 1938, and passed unexpectedly on April 20, 2022.
Polly was well-known in the Wisconsin and Illinois antique world. She was involved with the Milwaukee Antique Center in the early 1980s. It was there that she met her soulmate, the late George W. John (renowned poet, and art/antiquities and book expert). Together, they spent the next 34 years on the adventure of their lives finding, buying, and selling antiques and art. Their favorite getaway “business trip” was to Door County. Their multiple annual visits always included breakfast at the White Gull Inn in Fish Creek.
Polly was an admired and gifted artist with abundant talents. One such talent that brought her immense joy and contentment was writing. In 1967 she published her first children’s book. Her writing continued throughout her lifetime, and in her final years she was writing a story recounting her decades of adventures in the antique world. She had an incredible sense of humor evident in her tales and her writing. She had a vibrant and magnetic personality and surrounded herself with friends that understood and appreciated her wit and ability to tell a captivating story.
In 2005 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel featured Polly on the cover of its decorating section. Her east side apartment (which also served as her sales showroom) was impeccably decorated to showcase her treasured antiques. Polly would say that she had a strong leaning for the imperfect and often purchased items that were “perfectly imperfect.” When you were in a space that Polly curated, you knew it in an instant--the beauty was abundant. Mesmerizing.
Polly’s greatest pride and joy in life came from her family, which includes: Her children Laurie Runnoe, Ellen Lycan, Amy (Richard) Monroe, and David (Rosemary) Gottfried.
Her grandchildren Alexander John (Laura Johns), Katherine (Kevin) Knitter, Lauren Lycan, and Sophie Gottfried.
Her great grandchildren Meredith Knitter, Christopher John, and Torin John.
A celebration of Polly’s unique and adventurous life will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at the Elm Grove Women’s Club 13885 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove 53122. Service begins at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite joyful Polly story to share with family and friends.