Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 9/4/2003

Ferdinand F. Polonka

April 1, 1929 -- Sept. 1, 2003

Ferdinand "Fred" Polonka, 74, of South Bend, Ind., passed away peacefully at noon Monday, Sept. 1, in Hospice House, with family members at his bedside.

Fred was born on April 1, 1929, to Ferdinand and Hattie (Trudzinski) Polonka. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; and sister, Anna Lewandowski; a niece, Cindy Polonka; and by a nephew, Rudolph Pyclik Jr.

On May 20, 1950, he married Rosemarie Wroblewski, who survives. He was a devoted husband for 53 years. She survives along with her daughter, Debbie (Bob) Meyer. Fred was a proud and dedicated grandfather to Matthew and Michael Meyer. He is also survived by sisters, Stella (Rudolph) Pyclik, Bernice Smudzinski and Irene (Bill) Szynski, all of South Bend; and a brother, John (Mary Ann) Polonka of South Bend. He also loved all his nephews and nieces.

Fred grew up on the west side of South Bend, attended St. Adalbert and graduated from Washington High School in 1948. He was proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed polka music and Polish food. He was a die-hard Cubs fan and hoped one day they would make the World Series. He loved to go fishing, and to follow his grandsons to all of their sporting events. He was their #1 fan and cheered for the Jimtown Jimmies in which his grandsons proudly participate in their school's football and baseball programs.

He was a member of Holy Family parish, the PNA 83 Fisherman's Club, Saugany Lake Conservation Club, St. Joe Young Men's Society and Torrington's Foremans Club from which he retired in 1994 as the third-shift supervisor.

Visitation was held from 2 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road. A Rosary was said at 4:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 10 a.m. today, Sept. 4, in Holy Family Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County and Holy Family Church.

We would like to thank the Hospice nurses, aides and volunteers who took such wonderful care of a great and loving man. He will be truly missed.