Jean Polacek

1937 - 2025

Jean Rose Polacek, 88, of Phillips (Town of Worcester), passed away unexpectedly at her home on Thursday, November 6, 2025. She was born in Cook County, Chicago, on May 23, 1937, the daughter of Charles and Jennie Tingo. Jean graduated from Phillips High School in 1955.

In August of that same year, she married John Hradnansky. After his tragic passing, Jean later found love again and married James Polacek on November 27, 1965. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. Jean served as the office manager for Polacek Implement, all while raising her growing family with grace and devotion.

Jean's faith was a guiding light throughout her life. A devoted member of St. Therese Catholic Church, she attended Mass faithfully and was active in the Council of Catholic Women. She took great pride in her home and garden-spending summer days tending to her flowers and lawn, and winter evenings reading or playing solitaire. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family, who brought her the greatest joy.

Jean is survived by her nine children: Barbara (Jim) Dunbar, Linda (Bob) Dunbar, Charles Polacek, Janet (Steve) Maier, Joan (Leon) Endres, Laura (Roger) Upson, David (Malia) Polacek, Lisa (Kip) Shaver, and Julie (Tony) Lesch; twenty-two grandchildren: Kelly, Jennie, John, Becky, Mandy, Casey, Tyler, Alissa, Jacob, Ryan, Nicholas, Ashlyn, Erica, Rachel, Ashley, Nicole, Justin, Jered, Derek, Sophia, Grace, and Raymond; nine great-grandchildren: Darren, Cora, Will, Jack, Henry, Bobby, Virginia, Evelyn, and Lucas; and two great-great-grandchildren: Saylor and Hayes.

She is also survived by her siblings: Antoinette Klimowski, Marie Fojtik, Ronald (Diane) Tingo, and Kenneth (Karen) Tingo; her sister-in-law, Jeanette Tingo; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands John and James, and her brother Charles Tingo.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church or the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, organizations close to Jean's heart.