Published on June 18, 2026 6:33 am
Last Updated on June 18, 2026 6:33 am
Kenneth Jerome Polarek, 90, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, concluding with a 7:00 p.m. rosary. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St. Anthony Church or St. Anthony Schools. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Kenneth was born on December 24, 1935 in Chicago, IL, the son of Andrew and Josephine Agnes (Komasa) Polarek. He married the love of his life, Catherine Ormrod on June 22, 1957 at St. Brides
Catholic Church in South Chicago, IL. Our dad lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet, unwavering devotion to God. He first identified himself not by profession or accomplishment, but as a Christ-centered Catholic, a husband to his beloved wife Catherine of 67 years, and a father to his five children. Everything else in his life flowed from that foundation. He believed deeply in the universal call to holiness — that each of us is created to know God, love Him, serve Him, and one day be with Him in heaven. He lived this not in grand or showy ways, but in humble, hidden acts of faith: through prayer, fasting, almsgiving, sacrifice, and daily discipleship. His was a steady, faithful walk — one that quietly shaped and transformed the lives of countless people who
crossed his path.
Many have said over the years, “Your dad changed my life,” or “My spiritual life began when I met your dad.” He never sought recognition for that impact. In fact, his humility was one of his defining traits. Despite being widely respected and often sought out for advice and guidance, he remained grounded, always pointing others not to himself, but to Christ. He was deeply influenced by the virtues of his favorite saints, especially St. Francis of Assisi and St. John — embracing simplicity, humility, love of neighbor, and a life poured out in service. Scripture was central to his life. He often reflected on the words of 2 Corinthians 5:13–21, believing that in Christ we are a new creation and called to be His ambassadors, and on 1 John 4:13–21, holding fast to the truth that perfect love casts out fear, and that whoever loves God must also love his brother. These were not just passages he read — they were truths he lived.
Our dad was a man of remarkable ability and quiet accomplishment. An old-school carpenter and gifted wood carver, he worked with his hands to create things of lasting beauty. Professionally, he became a self-taught bindery engineer, earning patents and traveling the world to share his expertise — all with only a high school education. He was well-read and self-educated, with a deep knowledge of Catholic tradition, scripture, theology, the lives of the saints, and world history. Yet for all his achievements, he never measured his life by worldly success. He prioritized his spiritual life and the care of his family above all else — and was richer for it. He was known as a fair and ethical manager, and a kind mentor to many. Over the years, former coworkers would approach him and say he was “the best boss they ever had.” He led not with authority,
but with integrity, patience, and respect. He had a way of making people feel seen, valued, and capable.
At home, he loved his children deeply. His parenting was marked by strong discipline, gentle direction,
and a tireless work ethic that shaped who we became. He provided not only for our needs, but gave us
an example to follow — one of strength, responsibility, and faith.
His faith was visible in the small but powerful ways he lived it. Many will remember his joyful,
unmistakable “Amen” when he received the Holy Eucharist — spoken with conviction and reverence, a
clear expression of his belief in the Real Presence of Christ: body, blood, soul, and divinity.
He and our mom shared a life of service and evangelization. Together, they worked tirelessly in their
parish and community — serving on retreats, mentoring others, supporting those entering the Church,
visiting the sick, feeding the poor, and opening their home to those in need. Alongside a circle of likeminded friends, they sought to bring peace, justice, and the love of Christ to others, beginning right
where they were. Their lives became a witness for the next generation of what it means to live an
authentic Christian life.
Through years of illness and suffering, he remained steadfast. He believed in redemptive suffering —
that even in hardship, God is present and working. He did not complain. He endured with quiet strength
and trust (and often with a sense of humor), holding firmly to the promise that sorrow will turn into joy.
Our dad finished his life as he lived it — with faith, humility, and trust in God. He believed that death is
not the end, but the beginning of eternal life, where all things are made new and the fullness of God’s
light is revealed.
He has fought the good fight. He has finished the race. He has kept the faith.
We are grateful beyond words — for his love, his guidance, his example, and the countless lives he
touched. He was never ours to keep, but a gift from God, pointing us always back to Him.
AMDG.
Kenneth is survived by his children, Lisa Anderson (Mike Roche) of Manhattan, IL, Laura Didier of
Effingham, Ken (Theresa) Polarek of Marco Island, FL, Mary Beth McDonald of McDonough, GA, and
Michelle (Bryan) Hieserman of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Ryan (Emily), Nicholas (Amy), Jaclynn, Justin
(Nicole), Megan, Abigail (Jesse), Torrie Clare, Tara Rose (Cameron), Ali, Elm (Chris), Meghan (Grant),
Kenny (Dani), and Colin (Kathleen); great-grandchildren, Sydney, Scout, Lily, Natalie, Chloe, Jayden,
Marley, Aaro, Olivia, Violet, Thomas and Jameson; brother, David Lee Polarek, brother-in-law William
(Debbie) Ormrod, sister-in-law Sandy Polarek and many cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Catherine Polarek; brother Melvin Polarek; sons-in-law,
Wes Anderson and Brad McDonald; and great grandson Silas Jaxon Burdette.
Over his cancer journey Dad was blessed to have many wonderful doctors and nurses, too many to list.
But we would like to specifically thank Dr. Dy and Dr. Boyajian and their teams whose care gifted us
another 15 years with Dad. What a blessing! We also thank HSHS Hospice for their kindness and care.