Barbara L. Pollak

Barbara Pollak was promoted from this earthly existence to an astral plane on 1/28/25.
Born in Neligh, Nebraska in 1935 to Peggy and Frederick Baisch, she was the eldest child. The family moved to American Falls, Idaho when Barbara was a baby, and where they were soon joined by three brothers, Don Baisch, Jerry Baisch and Bill Baisch. Their lives were self sustaining as they lived on a farm, growing their own food and raising their own livestock.
After graduating valedictorian in high school in 1953 in American Falls, Barbara worked on the local paper, The Power County Press, and then went to Spokane, Washington to continue her business education. When completed, Providence guided her through a series of fortunate events, and she was hired in 1954 as his secretary by Ludwig Pollak, the owner of Idaho Typewriter Exchange in Pocatello, Idaho. Two weeks later she met the owner's eldest son, Donald J. Pollak, whom three years later, would become her husband.
Together they ran for 26 years Pollak's Stationery in John Day, Oregon. In their spare time when they could find it, they enjoyed playing Bridge, skiing, traveling, gardening, photography, and intarsia.
In John Day, Barbara was financial secretary of the Blue Mountain Hospital Auxiliary and financial secretary for years for the Methodist Church. She was also a member of UMC, the Juniper Singers, and the Elk's Club. She volunteered at the Grant County Museum, the Senior Center, and the United Methodist Thrift Shop. For years also, she was a member of the Bridge Club and when it was her turn to host, would have several tables in the living room of ladies playing bridge.
Survivors include one daughter, Kathleen Pollak, and one son, Terrance T.E. Pollak; two sisters-in-law, Mona Baisch and Dorothy Pollak; numerous nieces and nephews. Treasured friends include Carol riley, Louise Nelson, Patty McArthur, Margee Conolly, Betty Elliott, Isa Larkin.
Her first husband, Donald J. Pollak, her second husband, L.J. Baucum, her three brothers, Don, Jerry and Bill, and one nephew, Randy Baisch, preceded her in leaving this earthly existence.