Robert "Bob" Polacek

1924 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Polacek

July 20, 1924 - March 14, 2025

Robert "Bob" Polacek, 100, of Wahoo, NE, entered into eternal rest on Friday, March 14, 2025 at South Haven Living Center in Wahoo, NE. Bob was born on July 20, 1924, to Emil and Marie (Vasa) Polacek, the third of ten children. His parents raised their large family on a farm 3 miles NW of Prague. The family valued their Czech traditions and language. Bob began serving as an altar boy at a very early age and attended St. John's Catholic School through 8th grade while boarding at the school with Notre Dame nuns and other children, forming a close-knit family. He graduated from Prague High School in 1941 and farmed until he was inducted into the US Navy in 1944. Bob served in Operation Crossroads Atomic Bomb Testing, South Pacific in WWII and was discharged in 1946. He married Arline Cizek on Feb. 17, 1947, and they raised five daughters. Their home was a farm one mile south of Prague for 57 years where Bob farmed, raised beef cattle and hogs, and helped his mother-in-law. In 2004, Bob and Arline retired in Wahoo, NE.

Bob was committed to his faith in God, family, farming, and supporting Neumann High School. He was a devoted member of St. John's Parish in Prague where he served as lector, acolyte, parish trustee, advisory council, and participated in the church choir. He also served on the Bishop's Lay Committee for Vocations, Deanery chairman, New Church Committee, Diocesan Board Member, Co-chairman for Bishop Neumann Organizational Drive, Bishop Neumann School Board, Booster Club, and Band Parents Officer. He was a member of the Wahoo Council Knights of Columbus (KC) and Catholic Workman Lodge Branch #013 in which he was an officer for 35 years.

Upon moving to Wahoo, Bob became a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish in which he remained active and attended daily mass. He prided himself in his ability to climb the choir loft at age 93 to find enjoyment and inspiration singing in the Senior Choir. Singing the church hymns were uplifting and soothing for him. He also enjoyed assisting with flowers and décor in the church. Bob was awarded the Bishop Casey Distinguished Service Medal, Catholic Workman 70-year medal, and Honorary Lifetime member of the Wahoo Council, KC Lodge. He was a member of American Legion Post #308 in Weston, Saunders County Veteran of Month, 2013 DC Honor Flight, and "Quilt of Valor Honor" in 2022. Bob celebrated his 100th birthday in July, the last living WWII Veteran in Saunders County, NE.

Bob enjoyed managing and playing fast pitch softball, bowling, and golf as time allowed in younger years. He was a St. Louis Cardinal fan since the age of 9. He was a very supportive sports enthusiast of all Wahoo Neumann activities and attended most every event. He enjoyed his family, grand, and great grandchildren. His great grandchildren playing sports at Neumann High School was a special thrill in his later years. You could find Robert visiting nursing homes, enjoying photography, exhibiting fair projects, visiting with a coffee group or anyone he met. He was well known in the area for his beautiful Christmas lighting that he displayed yearly, especially Nativity scenes at church, on his farm, and in Wahoo. His beautiful flower gardens and fall pumpkin displays were admired by many. Bob enjoyed travel and tours, taking many trips with Arline, his family, and friends through the years. A 2014 trip to the Czech Republic afforded Bob the chance to speak with residents there as well as visit the church where his mother was baptized. Bob prided himself in his Czech heritage and was able to speak the language well and sing a few Czech songs from memory. He recalled fun times when asked to sing with a friend's dance band, mostly memorized lyrics of country and other music. His ability to connect with people and willingness to lend a helping hand endeared him to those he knew. Bob never knew a stranger!

Robert and Arline were able to stay in their own home with the support and care of family and others. Arline passed away on July 8, 2020, and Robert continued to stay in his home until 6 weeks ago where he resided at the South Haven nursing home where he spent his last breath. He had a full life and a life well-lived.

Robert is survived by five daughters, Audrey (Steve) Chromy, Eileen (Allen) Bell, Carole, Julie, (Daryl) Bartek, Terri (Dr. Bob Mathews), 4 grandchildren – Bryan Bell, Alyssa (Brent) Michels, Angela (Christopher) Bauer, Sherie (Kurtis) Van Slyke and 6 great grandchildren – Nolan, Jack & Avery Van Slyke, Roy & Max Bauer, Luciana Michels, and brother, Alphonse Polacek, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers - Frank, John, and Emil, sisters – Julia, Agnes, Marie, Dorothy, and Margaret.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday (3/18/2025) 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.

Concelebrants, Rev. Jeffrey Eickhoff and Rev. Robert Johnson.

Visitation, Monday (3/17/2025) 6-7 p.m. with 7 p.m. Knights of Columbus Rosary all at Church.

Interment at St. John Cemetery, Prague, NE.

Military Honors by the U.S. Navy and American Legion Post #308.

Memorials may be directed to the Robert & Arline Polacek Memorial Fund for Neumann High School or the American Heart Association.

Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolence.