Obituary published on Legacy.com by Freeman Mortuary - Jefferson City on Aug. 15, 2025.
Mrs. Beverly Christine Polacek, age 82, of
Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Capital Region Medical Center.
She was born on October 17, 1942, in Jefferson City, a daughter to the late Clarence Gus and Selma Martha (Krueger) Seifert. She was a 1960 graduate of Chamois High School and continued her education in becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1965.
While attending nursing school, she was set up on a blind date with Charley Joe Polacek. After half a dozen dates to the movies, the two fell in love and were united in marriage on September 25, 1965, at St. James United Church of Christ in Morrison, Mo. One month shy of celebrating 60 years of marriage, Beverly and Charley built a beautiful life and marriage based on unwavering devotion, commitment, and love.
Beverly, a passionate nurse, worked for Dr. Sanders and Dr. Bregant for several years until she and Charley decided to start a family. She took great pride in raising her two daughters and taking excellent care of their home until they were grown. She then went to work for the Missouri Department of Agriculture as an administrative assistant for a couple of years.
A woman of deep faith and generosity, Beverly found her greatest joy in serving others. She was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, but she didn't let the walls of the church confine her impact. She extended her heart of servitude to the churches her grandsons were involved in, filled shoe boxes for children at Christmas time, attended various Bible classes around the city, and visited people in nursing homes to brighten their days.
Some of Beverly's favorite activities included beginning immersed in the still and quiet, often found in nature. She enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, and reading. Watching the deer in the backyard was one of her most treasured activities that she looked forward to each day. Gift giving was her love language, and it didn't take long to make it onto the list of people she showered with gifts – she always found a way to make you feel seen and special.
Above all else, Beverly treasured her family and embraced every opportunity to spend meaningful time with them. She created countless cherished memories during month-long vacations with her husband, daughters, and grandsons – embarking on unforgettable adventures from the majestic Redwood Forest to the wonders of Alaska, Niagara Falls, Anaheim, and Los Angeles, to country music shows in Branson. Wherever she went, Beverly made it her mission to create lasting memories and enjoy life to the fullest.
She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, a life lived to the fullest, and a heart devoted to serving others. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love her.
She is survived by her loving husband, Charley; daughters, Christine Yvonne Khan of Springfield, Mo., and LaDonna Jo Petershagen (Michael) of Jefferson City; brother, Marvin Alan Seifert of Jefferson City; and four grandsons, Noah Khan, Adam Khan, Logan Petershagen, and Landon Petershagen.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Selma; brother, Dennis Benjamin Seifert; and sister, Janet Emily Seifert.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at the funeral home with the Rev. Barbara Zastrow officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for family and friends that are not able to attend by selecting the "Watch Now" button below the obituary text. Please note the webcast will not be available until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Meals on Wheels, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 1004 Arlington, VA 22202, or a local
charity of the donor's choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.