Donald V. Polack

About

Thomas Downey High School University of North Dakota

Donald Polack Obituary

DONALD V. POLACK JULY 1926 - JANUARY 2009 Donald Vincent Polack age 82, was born July 31, 1926 in New Prague, Minnesota to Clara and Louis Polack. He died after surgical complications in Modesto, California on January 26, 2009. Don grew up on a farm in rural northern Minnesota near Waubun and was drafted into the army as a senior in high school at the end of World War II. He served as a paratrooper in both WWII and the Korean Conflict. Following his years in the service, Don attended Moorhead Minnesota State University earning a Bachelor's degree and teaching credential. He earned his Master's degree in Education Administration from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Don taught math and physical education in rural Minnesota for several years and in 1959, Don and his family moved to Modesto to take a teaching position and to coach at Thomas Downey High School and then went on to teach at Fred Beyer High School when it opened until his retirement in 1988. Don was active in the local sports community including refereeing high school sports and the CAL Relays. He enjoyed a summer job as a field man for Pacific Coast Producers for many years up to and including this past summer season. An avid sports enthusiast, Don enjoyed water fowl hunting, golfing and card playing. Don is survived by his wife, Betty and his four children: Stuart (Modesto); Karen (New York); Curtis (Modesto); Mark (Tennessee); 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and 2 brothers - Louis and Leo. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 am at Calvary Lutheran Church, 547 Rose Avenue, Modesto. Inurnment at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Don's name may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 547 Rose Avenue, Modesto, California, 95355 or a charity of your own. Please share your memories at www.allenmortuary.com.www.modbee.com/obituaries

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Published by Modesto Bee from Jan. 29 to Jan. 30, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Polack

7 Entries

Craig Harris

February 9, 2009

I am deeply saddened to hear of this news. I knew Don through Stu and from many of his students down through the years. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Polack clan in this difficult time.

Lisa

February 2, 2009

The christmas envelope was addressed "Don and Betty Polack". It was at my house, but it wasn't my mail. We shared the same address number on a different street. When I came to their door to explain the mail mix-up they both invited me into their home and graciously shared tea and stories of their lives and of their families. Don was very engaging, getting Betty to show off her talent at quilting and precious family photos. May your loving memories warm your hearts. I will keep your beautiful family in my prayers.

Linda Butler Shadden

January 30, 2009

Betty and family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. In my life Don served as the definition of what an educator's task should be. He was my math teacher at Thomas Downey High School; and when Fred C Beyer High School opened he was one of my master teachers as I completed the credential program, and a colleague at Beyer in the math department until he retired. I will always fondly remember the department meetings with Don, JR, and Stan.

Daniel Harris

January 30, 2009

Sorry to hear of your loss. Don was my geometry teacher and just an all around good guy.

STEVE KELLER

January 29, 2009

To the Polack family, Don was a great guy. Karen, you were always correct when grading my papers in Mrs. Kirk's class. Curt, I always appreciated your friendship. Mr. Polack was what people should strive to be.

Kelly Turner

January 29, 2009

Curt,
I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Losing a parent is heart breaking, I know. My Mother passed almost 3 yrs ago. The pain of your loss will get lighter but it will never go away. You will always think of Dad. In time it will not be so painful, you will think of the happy times you spent together, you will laugh at the funny things he said to us in class. Your classmates are here for you. Your Dad is a great funny guy and he will not be forgotten and he lives on in you.

Paula Jaramillo

January 29, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Mr.Polack's passing. Curt, I really want you to know that the few times I spoke with your dad he spoke so highly of you. He loved you very much. I was amazed at the way he spoke of his boy. What an amazing gentle soul.

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