Service Information
Pauline “Polly” A. Bipes, age 80, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 10, 2026, 1:00 P.M., at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson, with interment at a later date in the St. Victoria Catholic Cemetery in Victoria, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Mass will be livestreamed via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1q97Hzg2NA1kqWeu-eiklw
Obituary
Pauline “Polly” Ann (Gillick) Bipes, age 80, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on March 18, 2026, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina. Polly was born on May 16, 1945, in New Ulm, Minnesota, the fourth of eight children, born by William and Mathilda (Kockelman) Gillick. She was raised on a farm near St. George, Minnesota, attended parochial school through the eighth grade and graduated from New Ulm Public High School in 1963.
Polly was married to Kenneth Bipes on January 13, 1968, in New Ulm, and shared the joy of three daughters, Lisa, Tammy, and Pamela, before divorcing in 1976.
Polly was a longtime resident of Hutchinson for over 60 years. She was a selfless provider who supported her family by diligently working in a variety of roles, including in-home daycare, utilities meter reading, office cleaning, and most notably as a retail cashier until she retired in 2010. Polly took great pride in raising her three girls and was a devoted mother and champion of their accomplishments. She loved her family unconditionally and enjoyed spending time with them.
Polly especially enjoyed polka music and traveled to numerous ballrooms to dance in the company of her many dance partners and friends. An avid sports fan, Polly enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. In her younger years, she bowled in a ladies’ league and played softball. She also relished playing cards, baking, and maintaining her meticulous lawn. Polly exuded joy and friendliness in all her interactions and will be remembered for her trademark smile. She will be dearly missed for the bright light that she represented in the lives of so many.
She is survived by her adoring Daughters, Lisa Olsen, Tammy (Rich) Fink, and Pamela Smith; Grandchildren, Andy (Kim) Rasmussen, Alyssa (Bryan) Woitas, Cody (Maddie) Rasmussen, Jack, Benjamin, Abbey Fink, and Sam and Alex Eichacker; Great-grandchildren, Kyle and Lane Rasmussen, Ryder, Sawyer and Asher Woitas, and Kara and Callen Rasmussen; Siblings, Ruth (Don) Tessmer, Mary Jo Weber, and Roger Gillick; Sister-in-law Sandy Gillick; former Brother and Sister-in-law, Robert (Kay) Bipes, Carol Oeltjenbruns; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Polly is preceded in death by her Parents, William and Mathilda Gillick; former Parents-in-law, Melvin and Erma Bipes; former Husband, Ken Bipes; Siblings, Richard Gillick, Charlotte Thunstrom, Judy Brand, Sandee Fritz; Brothers-in-law, Willis Thunstrom, Mel Brown, Curtis Brand; Niece, Kim Brown; former Brother-in-law, Gerhardt Oeltjenbruns; and Son-in-law, Ronald Smith II.
Cindy Karg says
With sincere sympathy to all of Polly’s Family. Worked back in the day at Kmart with Polly. No more struggles or suffering! May you all find comfort with your memories!
Dean & Nita Totushek says
Our sympathies to the family. We used to see her out & about with Eddie Karl.
Judy Sladek says
My sympathy to you, Lisa and your sisters.
Donna Telecky says
Hugs to Lisa, Tammy, and Pam and your families. Your mom was a great lady! When we played softball and she was catcher, she would throw the ball to me on second base and yell Coming down Donna Mae Margaret!
Renee Wendorff says
My Sympathy to the family,have a lot of fun memories of Polly,was a client of mine for many years,sending you prayers
Kristi Carlson says
Sorry for you loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Tim Kerkvliet says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Lisa and family
Rhonda Binder says
So very sorry about Polly she was always so happy & sweet to chat with. God Bless you all.
Patty Marconcini says
Sorry for your loss…thinking of the family at this hard time
Bonnie Karl says
So very sorry to hear of Polly’s passing. Lots of fun memories of card games and other get togethers. S ending hugs and prayers.
Rick and Bonnie Karl
Sharon Grivna says
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My sympathy to you all.
Tracy and Arnie Jorgensen says
Oh Lisa I’m so sorry for your loss. Your mom was always so full of energy and a nice person. Thinking of you and your family, hugs my friend
Carol Oeltjenbruns says
Enjoyed Polly’s enthusiasm for life. She took great pride and interest in her family and friends. She will be missed.
Lisa Synstelien says
Lisa, I’m so sorry for your loss. I got to know your mom when she came into Cashwise. I always looked forward to seeing her come in. She was so sweet! She would talk about her family. How very proud she was! Praying for strength for you and your family!
Victoria Williams says
My deepest prayers and condolences are with the family and all the lives she touched. She is in heaven watching over all of you. Sending all my love your way.
SANDY WRIGHT says
My thoughts and prayers are with Polly’s Family. Deepest Sympathy Sandy Wright
Twyla Waller says
Lisa and Families,
Our deepest sympathy to all. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Polly always had a smile on her face…seems like she never aged!!
Twyla & Chuck
Barbara Rasmussen says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Polly’s family. We will miss her at the birthday parties etc. We always had a good time visiting. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family at this sad time. May God Bless you all!
Karen Hoffmann says
Sending my deepest sympathy to Polly’s children and family. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Many memories of years ago playing softball and always so much fun being with her. She was always happy and had a smile. Cherish the memories!
Karen Hoffmann
Michelle Flachmeyer says
My prayers to you Lisa and your sisters and the rest of your family may you cherish the memories always and for ever.Hugs to you all.
Gloria M Janicke says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. You have my sincere sympathy.
Gloria Janicke
Curt and Sandy Meyer says
Our prayers are with you Lisa and your sisters. She was a great friend and always had a smile on her face, she will be missed we had a lot of good times together.
Vickie Lueck says
So sorry to see this. I have a lot of memories of you mom from years ago. We sure had some good times. I remember all you girls when you were younger. Lost touch over the years but I thought of her and did run into her out and bout. Sending my deepest sympathies to all of Polly’s family.
Leroy and Darlene Karg says
We will miss seeing and visiting with Polly. Her smile was contagious
Our sympathy to her family
Leroy and Darlene Karg
Roger and Peg DeMeyer says
So sorry for your loss. Polly was a great person to have in the neighborhood. She always had a smile, was quickwitted, and full of energy. She was the gardner of her lawn – emmaculately mowed, leaves raked daily in fall, and driveway shoveled clean early in the morning. You will be missed. Blessed be her memory.
Tom Bipes says
I first met Polly when she was dating Ken Bipes, and saw them many times after their marriage when I was only a teenager. They had a min-bike that they would let me ride around town with, they were so generous. I visited with Polly a few time in later years and always enjoyed that time together. She will be surely missed, condolences to the family.