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 in Humboldt 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 in Vietnam. He met the love of his life, Sheri Fuller, and the two were married after a short courtship on Valentine’s Day 1974. They had their only child, Rene, in 1979. Stan saw to it that Rene learned all sorts of things, from making meatballs, raising pigs, the do’s and don’ts of gardening, changing a tire, hunting and baiting her own hook. Stan wasn’t a fan of the city and strived to be in the country or “the sticks,” as he called it. He moved his wife and daughter to Kneeland in 1985 and they resided there to live the country life, growing big elaborate gardens with the best veggies and feeding the deer and birds. Stan always had great pride in his 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 the County of Humboldt. He put in a lot of effort and was well-liked by his coworkers. He made work fun while getting the job done. Oftentimes, his work crew scored off the elaborate lunches Sheri packed for him and he saw to it that there were potlucks from time to time. He played adult league softball and was known for hitting it out of the park. Stan went to Faith Center in Eureka and 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 forbid someone mess with his brothers or sisters.

Stan was an avid outdoorsman, known for his tenacity and perseverance. Whether it was private or public land Stan always filled his tags and maintained the name “Deerslayer.” Annual hunting 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 the freezer. He loved all kinds of fishing and had his fair share of catching them. His biggest thrill was hooking a steelhead, and he did that more times than we can count. He was infamous for his over the top stories, and he had a contagious laugh that echoed. Everyone was drawn to Stan for his quick wit and humor. He was a natural at communicating with everyone, and he always took the underdog under his wing. He had a huge heart for those that struggled because he too knew what struggling felt like. Whenever life had tough moments, Stan knew God was there with him and never failed to share that with others.

When his daughter Rene had children, Abbigayle and Tanner became his world. Stan was often spotted pacing the sidelines of his grandson’s football games, hollering at thier basketball games, and sitting in the bleachers of his granddaughter’s volleyball games, and he never missed the opportunity to hear Abby sing in concert. He would travel great distances in the worst of weather to watch their out-of-town games. Of all of his roles, Grandpa was his obvious favorite. Stan was his own cheering section with the loudest support for his grandchildren. He also kept a few referees in line a time or two. He always took the time to make each memory extra 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, sister Linda Johnson, sister Eleanor Faulk, his brother Al and sister-in-law Donna, brother-in-law Dennis, brother Bob, brother-in-law Harold, and his baby brother Jimmy and sister-in-law Sheila. 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’s lifelong friends and they remained close throughout his life. Pastor and friend Mark McLean of Cave 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-law Rosemary, 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, June 5, at 11 a.m. at Faith Center Foursquare Church, 1032 Bay Street, Eureka. Stan will be interred at Bayview.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Stan Poletski’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.