POLLY (O’BRIEN) CHOLKA

POLLY (O’BRIEN) CHOLKA

     Polly (O’Brien) Cholka walked on July 21, 2024, at the age of 88. 

     She was born to William O’Brien and Lavina (Davis) Thorud in La Crosse, WI, Feb. 17, 1936.

     Polly spent four years in a convent before marrying Donald Cholka, giving life to eight children.

     She attended nursing school and worked as a community health nurse for many years in Black River Falls, as well as various other positions, including working at the Dells Casino and at Ho-Chunk Nation Health Department. Polly took pride in her artistic ability of making Native American beadwork. She also loved the Casino bingo hall atmosphere. She had a great sense of humor and lived her life as she wanted to.

     Polly will be remembered for her willingness to always lend a helping hand and for her love of all babies. 

     She is survived by her children, Harry (Veronica) Cholka, Phillip Cholka, Steve Cholka, Donald Cholka Jr., Maureen (John) Kachnowski, and Rosemarie Adams; grandchildren Nick Cholka, Eric Everest, Casie (Sean) Collins, Raven LaMorie, and Taylor Lynn Giese (Kyle); her brothers, John (Beth) Steindorf, Terry Steindorf and Francis Steindorf; niece Karena (Dana) Thundercloud; and many extended family members and friends.

     She is preceded in death by her mother, Lavina (Davis) Thorud; her son, Joseph Cholka; daughter Denise (Nitzie) Cholka; her sisters, Elethe Nichols, Jenny Steindorf and Jan Fisher; and her brothers, Bruce O’Brien, Harry Steindorf and Bill O’Brien.

     A visitation was held Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 4. to 6 p.m. at the Buswell Funeral Home.