Polacek, Rodney (“Rod”) Frank (1946 - 2023)

POLACEK, BROADSTREET, RING, HIDALGO, BUCK, WALKER, JONES, FOX, SCHLEUTER, SABATA

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 11/12/2023 at 17:58:28

Name of deceased: Rodney "Rod" Frank Polacek

Aged: 77 yrs, 23 days

Residence: Shelby, Shelby County, IA

Born: Sep. 23, 1946; David City, Butler County, NE

Died: Oct. 16, 2023; Florence, Benton County, IA

Funeral services: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023; Pauley Jones Funeral Home, Avoca, IA

Survived by: Wife of 46 years, Linda Polacek of Shelby, IA; children, Lance Buck (spouse, Mindy Broadstreet) of Bellevue, NE, Jani (spouse, Louie) Ring of Shelby, IA and Paul Polacek (spouse, Tracy Hidalgo) of Santa Clara, CA; grandchildren, Cody Buck, Beth (spouse, Allen) Walker, Alvin (spouse, Angie) Ring, Wayne Ring, Summer Jones, Joe Buck, Samantha Polacek, and Steven Polacek; 8 great-grandchildren, Lee, Frank, Bentley, Addy, Ellyott, Jackson, Lilith, and Marian; sister, Carol Fox of Shelby, IA; brother, John (spouse, Karen) Schlueter of Shelby, IA; other family members and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Adolph Polacek and Matilda ("Tillie") (nee Sabata) Schlueter

Education: Attended Catholic School until Jr. High

Religious affiliation: no information provided

Military service: Enlisted in the U. S. Navy in Feb. 1965 as a Culinary Specialist, which grew his passion for cooking. He served almost 5 years, with more than 2 years during the Vietnam era. He earned the rank of CS2 before returning home.

Marriage: Linda (maiden name not provided); May 14, 1977; Shelby, IA

Employment: After his military service, Rod worked as a truck/trailer refrigeration mechanic for many years. He then went to work in Shelby, IA for the A-H-S-T-W (Avoca- Avoca, Hancock, Shelby, Walnut, and much of Tennant, IA) school district for nearly 20 years as a janitor and a bus driver

Hobbies/Interests: During his youth he enjoyed being an altar boy, playing football and fishing with his grandpa. He enjoyed being around his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and he especially enjoyed the wonderful Bohemian food like Aunt Mary's Kolaches. enjoyed Polka Dancing at the Ballroom in Avoca; member of the American Legion and the VFW. He enjoyed golfing in his younger years, but especially loved hunting, fishing and anything outdoors. He would spend many hours in the garden and provide fresh foods to the local community. He enjoyed and loved his grandkids very much

Sources: kjan.com; pauleyjones.com