SOUTH PASADENA, FL - William Benjamin Polk, beloved statesman, husband, father and grandfather, passed away Oct. 1, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born in Hamburg, Iowa, on Jan. 24, 1930, to Warren and Carrie-Belle Polk. Ben graduated from Percival Iowa High School, attended Univ. of Nebraska, was a brother in Phi Kappa Psi fraternity and ultimately obtained his Masters of Arts in Political Science from the Univ. of Illinois in 1980.

Ben spent most of his life in public service motivated by a positive attitude and the desire to help others. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, both active and reserve, from 1948-1956. Ben served five terms in the Illinois House of Representatives from 1972-1980 for the 36th District and was the Majority and Minority Whip.

He also served in a variety of leadership positions including Director of the Illinois Dept. of Aging. Ben managed the American Red Cross in Rock Island County, Ill., for a decade, responding to multiple disasters including the flood of 1965. He served as a professor at Springfield College, Lincoln Land Community College, in Illinois, and Edison State College in Fort Myers, Fla. He also served as a political analyst for WINK-TV CBS.

Ben was always the man of the year for his bride of 52 years, Mildred Ida Selander, whom he met in 1959 in San Francisco, and married four months later. Ben and Millie spent 13 years of their retirement on Fort Myers Beach, Fla. They volunteered for Turtle Time, waking up before dawn to monitor Loggerhead Turtles, count their eggs and protect their nests. Every day at 4 p.m. they shared thoughts from the day at cocktail hour. Together they went on 37 cruises throughout the world.

Millie Polk died in 2010 at Hope Hospice in Fort Myers at 77. Ben continued to volunteer at Hope and provide comfort to veterans. In 2011 he moved to South Pasadena, Fla., and spent the remainder of his life enjoying his family, expanding his collection of character watches - one of the largest in Florida, driving his favorite sports car, and enjoying the beach.

He is survived by his son, Morgan Polk, of Tampa, Fla.; his daughter, Nysha Drennan, of Springfield, Ill.; and his grandchildren, Adair, Noelle, Lucas and William Benjamin Polk, and Ali and Drake Drennan.

There will be a private service to honor Ben in St Petersburg, Fla., Fort Myers, Fla., and at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, Cal.

In lieu of flowers, please donate online to American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association at www.aarda.org/donate.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State Journal-Register from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for William POLK

22 Entries

Jill Edison State College

September 29, 2023

He presence was the highlight of our day.. an absolute delight. Fortunate to have known this fine gentleman

Richard Hill

September 29, 2023

Ben was a great friend and colleague. He contributed greatly to the success of the Lexington Veterans Association in Fort Myers, Florida. Ben was a US Marine Corps Veteran during the time I was a Navy Veteran and he is greatly missed.

Capt John Bunch

September 29, 2023

Ben was a great advocate for Operation Open Arns. His support and the amazing support of The Spring Run Charitable Foundation inspire me to this day. Polk served Our Country with dignity & respect

Stuart Souders

January 30, 2015

I just learned yesterday of Ben's passing. I met him when I was 13 and he was my swimming instructor and coach in Nebraska. We learned to swim in an old pond in Iowa where he had classes with 8 or 9 of us kids. He would drive us to local swim meets. We all idolized him. I later joined his University fraternity and would occasionally see him. Lost touch with him after I went into the Army. Even though it has been years since contact, I feel a profound grief at his leaving us.

Virgie Gibson

January 4, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear of Ben's passing,
Condolances to the family. He was a
truly special friend.

Mary Howe

October 21, 2014

It was with deep sadness that I learned of the death of dear "Mr. Ben", who brought so much joy and love and kindness to the children who attended his Story Hour at the St. Pete Beach Library. He was a blessing to all the children, parents, grandparents, and caregivers that attended his special program. My deepest condolences and sympathy to his family at this sad time....may God's Peace surround you.

October 14, 2014

Morgan and Nysha,

I just heard of your Dad's passing yesterday. I am so sincerely sorry for your loss. I have lost a very close friend.

He and your Mom were true friends to me and my entire family for 40 years. I'm so happy we recently renewed our regular contact via phone and email.

He was an inspiration to me both personally and professionally. He provided me the opportunity to do and experience things at very young age. He took a chance on me and I have never forgotten it.

Of course, he will always be in our hearts but there is a real void in my life knowing I can't just pick up the phone and talk about old times.

All our love to you and your families. I hope we can stay in touch.

Jim Faletti

Maryjane Hyatt

October 11, 2014

"Mr. Ben" will be missed by everyone at the St. Pete Beach Public Library. He has been an integral part of our library family for more than two years.
He is the STAR of our ages 3 and under Story Time. Everyone here loves him, he is so kind and so fun and just loved seeing the little ones grasp new concepts, like standing on their own, focusing on the books, learning to give him a high-five as they leave for the day.
Mr. Ben is taking a bit of our hearts with him as he continues his journey.
We're so glad for the time we had with him.
~Maryjane and the rest of the St. Pete Beach Public Library Staff

Thank you Marine!

john bunch

October 10, 2014

Sgt Polk was my friend and fellow Marine. Never once did he say no to any need Operation Open Arms had. Our Troops returning from combat were very important to him. My heart is so heavy. Take a look at Ben Polk in this video. A fine man and the perfect gentleman. My friend and fellow Marine. Semper Fi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO4Tpcb4rlU

Ben in "his" room.

Bradley Krantz

October 8, 2014

We are saddened to hear about Uncle Ben. We always enjoyed his visits to Minnesota with Aunt Millie. We last saw him in January 2012. We will miss him! Our thoughts and prayers are with his family!

danielle smith

October 7, 2014

I am so saddened to hear of professor Polk's passing..I have cherished all he years of booking cruises for he and Ms. Millie!! I love him as my own grandfather and have alwsys been inspired by his personality.. love to the whole family.

suzanne elble

October 6, 2014

Thinking of you at this sad time. Remembering all the wonderful stories you told me about your dad. Cherish those memories.

Marcia Jones

October 6, 2014

So sorry to hear of Ben's passing. He was a great guy. I enjoyed serving with him in the Hospice Honor Guard.

Jenna Seelbach

October 6, 2014

Nysha - Words cannot express the sorrow in my heart to hear of your father's passing. His love and legacy live on through you and your children. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.

Cindy Lamar

October 5, 2014

Nysha, Ali, and Drake - I am so very sorry for your loss. God bless you and be with your Dad/Grandfather. Love you.
Cindy Lamar

Carol Forestier

October 5, 2014

Nysha you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry to hear of your father's passing. Let me know if I can do anything.

Rush Library

October 5, 2014

Professor Polk was a true gentleman and a great scholar. We were most privileged and honored to call him a colleague. A greatly respected man. He will be missed.

Circa 1980

October 5, 2014

I am so sorry to learn of Ben's passing. He was a friend and also a mentor during my time in the Illinois Legislature. My prayers are with Ben and his family.

October 5, 2014

Ben was a great friend and colleague. He contributed greatly to the success of the Lexington Veterans Association in Fort Myers, Florida. Ben was a US Marine Corps Veteran through and through and will be greatly missed.

Rich Hill

Carlene Harwood

October 4, 2014

Professor Polk was one of my mentors at Edison College when I was a student there, and later helped me get a job there. I will always be grateful to him and have fond memories. Fly high, Professor Polk!

Ted & Janice Pearson

October 4, 2014

Condolences to the family, fond memories of a great friend.

Kitty Shores

October 4, 2014

I am so very sorry to hear of Ben's death. He was a very special person to me and many others. I worked for him in the Illinois Legislature for several years. I always considered him a dear friend. My condolences to his family. I know he will be truly missed.

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