Dolores Pollvogt January 30, 1937 - January 19, 2024

Dolores Jean ‘Shotzie’ Pollvogt

(nee Donnell) beloved wife of the late Donald Michael Pollvogt, loving mother of D. Mitchell, the late Gregory, Cynthia Hensley (the late George) and Douglas.  Grandmother of Dalton (Alex), Victoria, Andrew (Jennifer), Rebecca Nelson (Kyle), Donnie, Harry, George III, and Cecelia Hensley and Emma Rose Meredith (Keith).  Great-grandmother to Declan, Maverick, Alice and John Nelson, Ian, Cassidy, and Matthew Meredith.

Born in Illinois, her father nicknamed her “Shotzie” which is German for sweetheart.  In early childhood Shotzie moved to South St. Louis City, later graduating from McKinley High School.

Ever the entertainer, Shotzie loved to perform.  She sang, danced, and twirled baton throughout her youth, even leading the parade as majorette for Harry Truman’s visit to St. Louis.

In St. Louis Shotzie met the love of her life, Don, while working at Pittsburgh Plate Glass. They married in 1957 and soon moved to West County to raise their family of four children – first in Ballwin, later in Wildwood. She considered motherhood and homemaking her calling.

A fabulous and creative cook, Shotzie could make a feast from nothing.  Dinner was served promptly with a full menu and a perfectly set table to match.  When asked about her prolific and consistent culinary skills she simply stated, “That was my job.”  No matter who you were, there was always a spot (and plenty of food) for you at Shotzie’s table.

However, her creativity extended far beyond the kitchen. Shotzie and Don were homebuilding visionaries, often having an eye for seeing the beauty in the old and giving it new life. They used these skills to build their dream home on Wild Horse Creek Road, an 1800’s farmhouse fit with a custom log cabin, a gorgeous yard that rivaled the Botanical Garden, and perfectly curated rooms (one even dedicated entirely to her collection of teddy bears).  The only thing they loved more than the beautiful antiques adorning their homes were the people that filled them, which is why their home hosted many over the top holiday gatherings and pool parties. Of course, Shotzie, the consummate entertainer, celebrated each and every holiday and birthday with extensive decorations to match.

Yet, no party was complete without music, and Shotzie loved music, from Boots Randolph to BB King. Her album collection included many first run records collected and signed by the original artist that she met while working the record counter at Kresge’s. Shotzie would motivate her children to get up and clean on a Saturday morning by dropping a needle on the Greatest Hits of the Eagles. Shotzie and Don loved to dance and rarely sat one out.  She spent many hours singing with guests around her player piano and was always eager to perform in skits with the Priory Players.

Although, her true passion thrived in antiques.  An avid and prolific collector, she couldn’t stand to pass up an Antique store, garage or estate sale and loved spending her free time “bumming”.  She collected a variety of well-loved items and repurposed her treasures to decorate her homes and often had “Antiques Roadshow” on the TV to learn about her treasures.

Shotzie was resilient and always had a plan, and she overcame many health struggles in her lifetime. Her stubbornness and fierce faith in God fortified her, especially in her hard days.  She survived a near fatal car crash in her 20’s and advanced cancer in her 50s; which she believed was the result of a miracle received at the Shrine of St. Joseph, through St. Peter Claver.

She maintained many friendships throughout her life, keeping in touch with friends from grade school, high school and beyond.  She was especially close with her Priory Mother’s Birthday Club.

Spending time with Shotzie wasn’t just a breath of fresh air, it was a surge of electricity – typically used to scheme the next soiree, plan a “bumming” trip to an antique store (and check out her latest finds), or listen to one of her spectacular stories. In remembrance of Shotzie, remember to never pass up an opportunity to perform, host a holiday, or find beauty in something old and well-loved.

Services:  Visitation and funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, January 24 at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 15642 Clayton Road, Ellisville, MO 63011.  Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass to follow at 11 a.m.  Burial Holy Cross Cemetery.