Stanley Millard “Deerslayer” Poletski, went home peacefully to our Lord Jesus Christ May 10,2024, at his home surrounded by family in Cave Junction.
Stan was born July 27, 1954, in Eureka, to Connie and Chet Poletski. He grew up inHumboldt County and made many memories with his siblings and friends.
Stan joined the Navy in 1972, aboard the ship USS Leonard F Mason, and he served inVietnam. He met the love of his life, Sheri Fuller, and the two were married after a shortcourtship on Valentine’s Day 1974. They had their only child, Rene, in 1979. Stan saw to it thatRene learned all sorts of things, from making meatballs, raising pigs, the do’s and don’ts ofgardening, changing a tire, hunting and baiting her own hook. Stan wasn’t a fan of the city andstrived to be in the country or “the sticks,” as he called it. He moved his wife and daughter toKneeland in 1985 and they resided there to live the country life, growing big elaborategardens with the best veggies and feeding the deer and birds. Stan always had great pride inhis home and always had a beautiful yard and property.
Stan worked as a bus driver for Ridgewood Elementary, later at Simpson Pulp Mill and then theCounty of Humboldt. He put in a lot of effort and was well-liked by his coworkers. He made workfun while getting the job done. Oftentimes, his work crew scored off the elaborate lunches Sheripacked for him and he saw to it that there were potlucks from time to time. He played adultleague softball and was known for hitting it out of the park. Stan went to Faith Center in Eurekaand he made sure Rene was in attendance too. Stan was an excellent provider and protector.Everyone that knew Stan was aware of his mental and physical strength. Heaven forbidsomeone mess with his brothers or sisters.
Stan was an avid outdoorsman, known for his tenacity and perseverance. Whether it wasprivate or public land Stan always filled his tags and maintained the name “Deerslayer.” Annualhunting trips to Idaho with his brothers, nephews, and great nephews brought him so much joy.He harvested some big bulls and big bucks in his time here with us, and he always filled thefreezer. He loved all kinds of fishing and had his fair share of catching them. His biggest thrillwas hooking a steelhead, and he did that more times than we can count. He was infamous forhis over the top stories, and he had a contagious laugh that echoed. Everyone was drawn toStan for his quick wit and humor. He was a natural at communicating with everyone, and healways took the underdog under his wing. He had a huge heart for those that struggled becausehe too knew what struggling felt like. Whenever life had tough moments, Stan knew God wasthere with him and never failed to share that with others.
When his daughter Rene had children, Abbigayle and Tanner became his world. Stan wasoften spotted pacing the sidelines of his grandson’s football games, hollering at thier basketballgames, and sitting in the bleachers of his granddaughter’s volleyball games, and he nevermissed the opportunity to hear Abby sing in concert. He would travel great distances in theworst of weather to watch their out-of-town games. Of all of his roles, Grandpa was his obviousfavorite. Stan was his own cheering section with the loudest support for his grandchildren. Healso kept a few referees in line a time or two. He always took the time to make each memoryextra special. He had a bigger than life personality, and we sure are going to miss him.
Stan is survived by his wife Sheri, daughter Rene Jolley, grandchildren Abby and Tanner, sisterLinda Johnson, sister Eleanor Faulk, his brother Al and sister-in-law Donna, brother-in-lawDennis, brother Bob, brother-in-law Harold, and his baby brother Jimmy and sister-in-lawSheila. He also has an abundance of nieces and nephews, all of whom have brought their ownunique joy to his life. Brother-in-law Gary Fuller and life long friend Rick Seely were Stan’slifelong friends and they remained close throughout his life. Pastor and friend Mark McLean ofCave Junction became one of Stan’s close friends and hunting buddies as well.
He is preceded in death by parents, Connie and Chet, big brother Harry and sister in-lawRosemary, sister Joan Dahl, sister Helen Mills, and brother David Poletski.
Family and friends are invited to the celebration of life, which will be held on Wednesday, June5, at 11 a.m. at Faith Center Foursquare Church, 1032 Bay Street, Eureka. Stan will be interred at Bayview.
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