Tyler Michael Polum of Shawano passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a tragic car accident at the young age of 39. Tyler was born on October 15, 1986, to Debbie and Gary Polum, Jr., in Shawano, Wisconsin.

Tyler attended Shawano Community High School and graduated with the class of 2005. After high school he attended the College of Menominee Nation, graduating with a degree in Arts and Science in Business Administration.

Tyler is survived by his mother, Debbie Polum of Shawano; sister, Tracy Caldwell-Gosewehr of Appleton; her children, Riley Recore and Cashton Recore of Appleton; maternal grandmother, Patricia Caldwell of Shawano; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Polum of Shawano; aunts and uncles, Randy (Chongsun) Polum, Sr., of Deering, North Dakota and their children, Jenny (Robert) LeMaster and Randy (Rachel Ralph) Polum, Jr., all of Minot, North Dakota, Tom (Bert VanMiddendorp) Polum of New York, New York, and Bethlehem, Connecticut; great aunt, Connie Splitgeber of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and his two favorite fur-babies (cats), Buckwheat and Stewie, who miss him dearly already.

Tyler is preceded in death by his father, Gerlad Polum, Jr.; paternal grandfather, Gerald Polum, Sr.; maternal grandfather, James Caldwell; great-grandparents, Lorraine and Robert Splitgerber; great uncle, Leroy Splitgerber; great aunt, Paula Keenan; and brother-in-law, Robert Gosewehr.

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why.

A private ceremony will be held for Tyler’s close relatives. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shawano Humane Society to honor Tyler’s love for animals.