Paul Polka

TAMA-Paul John Polka, 97, of Tama, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Sunny Hill Care Center in Tama under the care of Iowa River Hospice. He had lived at home up until the last five days of his life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 5-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.

Paul was born on December 27, 1926, in Belle Plaine, Iowa, the son of Frank and Mary (Hanzelka) Polka.

He graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1944 and attended AIB College of Business in Des Moines for one year.

Paul served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

On May 27, 1947, he was united in marriage to Doris J. Brown at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama. They enjoyed sixty-two years together. Paul was a longtime sales service manager a the Tama Paper Mill until retirement. He and Doris also owned a roller-skating rink in Tama.

Paul was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama, seventy-year member of the American Legion where he was Past Commander and also Past Commander of the VFW. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and was active in card clubs. He and Doris were snow birds in Texas for many years, and were season ticket holders at Iowa football games. Paul was an avid Cubs fan and was happy that he finally saw them win a championship. He got a hole in one in his life and recently got the perfect Cribbage hand of twenty-nine.

Survivors include his children, Patricia (Bob) Youngman of Tama, Bill (Brendie) Polka of Carlisle, and Marty (Lori) Polka of Norwalk; daughters-in-law, Lena Polka of New London, and Teri Polka of Tama; nineteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; twenty great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Doris on March 17, 2009; sons, Mike Polka and Daniel Polka; daughter, Angie Van Nevel; three grandsons, Larry Hamor Jr., Zachary Polka, and Josh Norton; and sister, Lillian Roth.

A memorial fund will be established.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.