Eugene Edward "Gene" Polak's Obituary
Eugene Edward “Gene” Polak, age 92, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Heartwood Lodge in Spring Lake, MI. He was born January 31, 1932, in Grand Haven, MI, to Emil and Estelle (Buczek) Polak. He graduated from Grand Haven High School in 1949 and then went on to serve his country in the United States Navy. Gene married the Love of his Life Helen Blaney on April 14, 1956, allowing them to have one day shy of 68 wonderful years together. He worked as a mason for 25 years for Schroeder Brothers Construction and then became a butcher at the Grand Haven D & W for 12 years. While at D & W, Gene was known as the Silver Fox and was notorious for keeping up with the young kids, even playing volleyball with them outside of work. He was D & W’s first employee of the month and found his 15 seconds of fame in one of their commercials.
Gene was an avid golfer and was one of the longest standing members of the Grand Haven Golf Club. When not on the course, he could be found in his vegetable garden, cooking or canning. He loved animals, especially his dogs. He was a proud member of the Charles A. Conklin American Legion Post #28, VFW Sgt. Alvin Jonker Post 2326, and the Grand Haven Fraternal Order of Eagles 925. Gene was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Gene will be dearly missed by his wife, Helen; children, Cindy (Don) Sauser, Tim Polak, Nancy (Dave) Palmer, Chris (Dan) Davis and Penny (Lee Jerousek) Polak, grandchildren, Nikki (Matt) Harvey, Kari (James) Davis, Alicia (Earl) Jorgensen, David (Angie) Palmer, Les (Jen) Shaw, Nic (Erin) Shaw, Jessica Cherry and Kalie (Adam McArthur) Davis; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Linda (Al) Wildey; brothers, Dennis (Diane) Polak and David (Gerry) Polak; and special family member Mary Bratherton. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Evelyn Reiss.
A MEMORIAL MASS will be 11 AM on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Parish (920 Fulton St., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Fr. Dan Schumaker presiding. VISITATION with the family will take place 1 hour prior to the service. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS in honor of Gene may be directed to the Heartwood Lodge or Harbor Humane Society.
The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation services (620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417) is honored to be serving the Polak family. To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Eugene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eugene?
Share a story where Eugene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eugene you’ll never forget.
How did Eugene make you smile?