Edward James Polak

Ed Polak passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the Central Todd County Care Center. He was 88 years old.

A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Christ the King Catholic Church.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Christ the King Catholic Church in Browerville. Rosary will be prayed at 3:45 PM at the church and a prayer service will follow the evening visitation at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue the day of Mass on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at 2:00 PM on Wednesday at the St. Isadore's Catholic Cemetery.

Edward James Polak was born on February 9, 1935, the son of Joseph and Clara (Farwick) Polak of Browerville. Ed was welcomed home by his sister Dorothy.  He attended grade school at District 132, in Moran Township.  He left school after the eighth grade and helped his father on their farm. Ed enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country from 1955 – 1957 where he was a heavy equipment operator stationed in Germany.  After being honorably discharged he returned home to Minnesota. One evening he was out with his friends at the Clarissa Ballroom.  This is where he would meet his future wife, Bernice Notch.  The two fell deeply in love, and were married on April 6, 1959.  From this union, they became parents to six children: Dennis, Kathy, Gary, John, Annette and Karen. The couple would raise their family in rural Browerville on their own little hobby farm. Ed later retired from farming and spent the next thirty-six years working at the Land O’ Lake’s milk plant in Browerville.

Ed was a deeply kindhearted and generous person who adored and put his family first. He was the best provider and family leader which is what makes losing him so much harder. Ed enjoyed fishing and hunting with his sons and friends, he restored his father’s farm tractors and a Ford Mustang as a hobby during retirement.  He had a deep love of music and dancing, particularly a waltz with Bernice, his “Honey Bee”. Ed had a beautiful singing voice as well. He was a dear Grandfather that made each grandchild feel special in their own way.   In 2012, Ed tragically lost his eyesight which he bravely dealt with for 12 years.  Ed passed away peacefully at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa, on Saturday, September 16, 2023. He was 88 years old. Left to cherish his beautiful memory and legacy is his wife, Bernice; children, Dennis (Diane) Polak, Kathy (Paul) Koesters, Gary Polak, John Polak, Annette (Scott) Bleninger and Karen (Dave) Pogreba; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous sister and brother in laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Joe and Clara Polak; sister Dorothy (Fred) Becker; and grandson Andrew “Drew” Polak and six brother in laws.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edward James Polak, please visit our floral store.