Lorraine G. Muncy Polacek

Lorraine G. Polacek was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Lorraine will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

She was the daughter of Fredda M. Braun and Floyd W. Muncy. Lorraine grew up in Chester, Montana.

Lorraine was raised with three siblings. She had two brothers, Elmer and Dale, and a sister, June. Lorraine was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young girl, Lorraine had a number of interests. Like most children, she enjoyed playing and making up games. She was curious about the world around her and was often eager to explore it. Lorraine was an active child who took part in basketball and cheer leading. She was a member of 4-H and the Honor Society. In her spare time she liked playing the organ and piano. However, to Lorraine, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her friends.

A typical teenager, Lorraine had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. She graduated from Chester High School in 1948. She enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. Her favorite classes in high school were English and Literature. She graduated #1 in her High School class, earning the honor of being the Class Valedictorian and was part of the National Honor Society. In addition to being an excellent student, Lorraine showed her school spirit by being a cheerleader.

Lorraine enjoyed her college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Lorraine was able to manage the balancing act. She earned her B. S. in Business from Washington State. Her favorite courses were business, bookkeeping and accounting.

Always considered a “good” friend to those she knew, Lorraine enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during her lifetime. While growing up, some of her best friends were Poppie, Reggie and Junior. Later in life, she became friends with Ida Massotto.

On January 26, 1957, Lorraine married Larry William Polacek, her husband of 55 years, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Empathic and loyal, Lorraine was committed to making her new family happy.

Lorraine worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Lorraine was blessed with five children, four sons, Roderick Dale, Kevin William, Gary Lynn and David Elmer, and one daughter, Deanna Renee'; and grandchildren, Megan, Rod Jr., Joey, Angela, Kevin II, Marcus, Bryan, Gary Jr., Sierra, Justina, Paul II, Maxwell and Amanda.

Fortunately, Lorraine enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Lorraine worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. Her primary occupation was as a bookkeeper. She was employed for 10 years by Great Lakes Carbon and worked for 8 years at Orange Grove Mobile Estates. Lorraine always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Lorraine enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were playing the piano and organ. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Lorraine’s faith was important to her. She was a member of the Lutheran Church in Chester Montana for 27 years. During that time, she was a Sunday School Teacher, organist for the church and the church bookkeeper.

Lorraine enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Catalina Island which she loved.

Lorraine was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Buzz, a Peka-poo she had for 14 years, Neo a Schnauzer who survives Lorraine , and Tie a Shihtzu she had for 10 years.

When Lorraine’s retirement finally arrived in 1992, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Bullhead City. In retirement, she found new pleasure in doing work for her local church. Even in retirement, Lorraine continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Lorraine was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Lorraine passed away on February 16, 2012 at Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California. She is survived by her husband, Larry Polacek; her children, Roderick D. Neely and his wife, Robin, Kevin W. Polacek and his wife, Rosie, Gary L. Polacek and his wife, Sharyn, David E. Polacek, and Deanna Larkin and her husband, Paul; sister, June Haupt; grandchildren, Megan, Roddy and Joey Neely, Angela, Kevin, Marcus and Bryan Polacek, Gary Polacek and Sierra Boden, Justina Polacek, P. J., Max and Amanda, Larkin. Services were held at Weaver-Hughes Mortuary Chapel 33629 Yucaipa Blvd., Yucaipa, CA 92399 on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 11:30 AM. Services were officiated by Pastor Joel Vincent. Lorraine was laid to rest in Montana.

Simply stated, Lorraine was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Lorraine leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Lorraine G. Polacek.

Arrangements entrusted to Weaver-Hughes Mortuary, Yucaipa, California