Lawrence Ernest Polak

Lawrence (Larry) Ernest Polak was born June 4, 1936, on the farm near Belleville, Kansas. He went to country school in Narka, Kansas and grew up farming with his Dad, Mom and siblings. He attended High School through his Sophomore Year, and drove the Model A to school (taking the twins -- Virgil and Virginia with him). While in high school, Larry played basketball and track. Times were rough, and two years in a row, the crops literally blew out of the field. So, the family moved to Omaha where their Dad could find work and since Larry was the oldest, he also started working at Johnson Cashway delivering lumber. Larry met Clarine during her senior year of high school, in January 1955. While dating, Larry drove his cherished powder blue 51 Ford convertible. He married the love of his life, August 17, 1957. After Larry & Clarine married, Larry went to Tech High and got his GED. In 1959, Larry was drafted into the Army. He was sent to Colorado Springs, for boot camp and then served in Hawaii until 1962. He was so proud of his duties in the Honor Guard. After his service, they returned to Omaha, and Larry took apprenticeship training and began working in construction. In 1964, they purchased their home on Primrose Lane, and Cheryl was born in 1966. Larry worked for Hawkins & Martin K. Eby Construction – having supervisory positions with both companies. His company decided to move South, but the family stayed in Omaha, and he started his own remodeling business. He retired in 1995.

Larry & Clarine loved to dance! They were square dancers at the South Omaha Eagles and members of the Sokol Polka Club. They also loved to travel. They went to Jamaica (for their 25th Anniversary), Minnesota every year, Germany, Greece & traveled across Canada (as one of their many road trips). However, cruises were their favorite way to travel.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Ernest & Mary Polak; sisters Fern Dee & Virginia Swihel; sister-in-laws Sally & Barb Polak; brother-in-law Ray Swihel. He is survived by wife, Clarine and daughter & son-in-law, Cheryl & Joel Wichman; Brothers Virgil, Steve & Gary. Grandchildren, Nathan & Joshua Wichman.

Every day was his “best” day … he was unique that way. He had a HUGE smile, an infectious laugh and a zest for life. Whether it was his love for pie, driving his wood boat at the cabin or just living life … it was always the best.

A visitation for Lawrence will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 10:30 AM at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, 15005 Q St, Omaha, Nebraska 68137.