Serena Catherine Polster, 96, formerly of New Holstein, passed away on January 12, 2026, at Ivy Manor Assisted Living in West Bend, where she has been a resident the last two years. She was born on April 25, 1929, in Charlesburg, to Frank and Frances (La Croix) Weber.

She attended St. Mary's Catholic grade school in Marytown and graduated from New Holstein High School as Salutatorian in 1947. Following graduation, she worked in the office at Arps Corporation for four years until her marriage to Gordon Polster on February 3, 1951.

After the birth of their three children, Serena returned to the workforce and was employed at Tecumseh for 34 years until her retirement.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Christian Women's society, and a lifetime member of the New Holstein American Legion Auxiliary. Before her eyesight began to fail her, she created many crocheted afghans, knitted sweaters and had sewn many beautiful quilts that she proudly shared with her family. Serena enjoyed playing Canasta with three close friends whenever they could find an evening together. She was also an avid follower of the Brewers, Packers, Bucks and Badgers.

Serena and Gordon loved to travel and visited 48 of the 50 states. In their early years, they shared their travels with their children, creating many lasting memories. Later, they enjoyed bus tours, appreciating the opportunity to relax, take in the scenery, and meet new friends.

Serena is survived by her son David (Sue) Polster of West Bend, and her daughter, Laurie (Mike) Kutz of New Holstein. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Stacy (Kevin) Feltes and their son Liam; Christoper (Kristyn) Polster and their children Mercer and Lilyanna; Nichole Polster (friend Brian); Catherine Polster; Constance Polster and her sons Isaac and Mitchell; Sarah Kutz; and Kevin Kutz. She is further survived by her sisters-in-law Elaine Weber, Joyce Polster, Loanne Polster, Barbara Polster and Kathleen Otto, along with numerous nieces, nephews and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Gordon; son Steven; her parents Frank and Frances Weber; her in-laws Louis and Katherine Polster; her sister Sidonia (Ernest) Heus; brothers Robert (Cyrilla) Weber and Roger Weber; and in-laws Adeline (Walter) Wagner, Allan (Yvonne) Polster, Henry Polster, DeLyle Polster, Marion (Clarence) Wagner, Paul Polster, Louis (Janet) Polster, James Polster, and Clarence Polster, as well as four nephews and one niece.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1724 Madison Street, New Holstein, WI 53061 at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Rev. Alvan Amadi will officiate.

Visitation will be at Sippel Funeral Home, 2618 Altona Ave, New Holstein, WI 53061 on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM and again on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 AM.

Entombment will be at Knollwood Mausoleum on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ivy Manor for all their care and support. They also extend their gratitude to Elite Hospice for keeping Serena comfortable in her final days.

A memorial fund will be established in her name.

For additional information, please contact the Sippel Funeral Home in New Holstein (920)898-4300 or visit www.sippelfuneralhome.net.