Patrick Henry Polk

Patrick Henry Polk was loved and adored by everyone he met… but one person he loved and adored more than anyone on this earth was his wife, Florence. Patrick, known to most as Pete or Peter, was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. On one beautiful, fateful day he walked into Incarnate Word College, saw Florence through a window and waved at her. It was love at first sight.

In the military, Pete learned laboratory skills and was stationed in Germany for 2 years at MASH Unit #32. Upon returning, Pete and Florence were married. Both Texas born, they moved to Austin, Texas and had 4 adorable little ones. Pete then received a job offer to move to Lemont, Illinois, also known as the Village of Faith, to work at Argonne National Laboratory. Their family grew with the addition of two more little guys.

Now, they made it look so easy! While working two or three jobs and raising six children, Pete was active in the community. He started an organization that continues today - The Lemont Golden Hornets Little Scholars (youth football). On September 21, 2017, the town of Lemont honored Pete and the five others during Founders Day! “With every snap of the football, every cheer from a cheerleader, the youth of Lemont will remember Peter Polk. He is still and will always be known as….Coach!” said Joe Santos.

Pete also was involved in many faith-based organizations, including the churches of St. Alphonsus and St. Patrick in Lemont. As a Catholic, he enjoyed and was devoted to the Knights of Columbus. He reached out always to others with a loving soul, helpful hand and charismatic smile. As a Eucharistic Minister, he brought spiritual support to the homebound and nursing home residents. This he did tirelessly for 20 years.

Another love that Peter and Florence shared was the love for animals. Peter loved raising and showing German Shepherds his whole life! He loved loading all six kids in the car, with Florence as co-pilot, and three German Shepherds! It was always fun! He created Kinderburg Shepherds to showcase his love for these magnificent creatures that protected us all.

Peter always loved learning something new. He graduated from Price College in Amarillo, Texas, and St. Edward University in Austin, Texas. Pete achieved a Master’s degree in Business Management from University of Phoenix. His enthusiasm for knowledge led him to educate himself on numerous topics, but he was especially proud of learning Sign Language and Hebrew!

After many years of living in Lemont, Peter and Florence moved to Scottsdale, Arizona! They worked in the medical profession and thrived. They found a wonderful community named Fountain Hills and settled there. Every day they would wake up, say “I love you”, hug, and look out the window, smile and exclaim, “It’s like being at a resort, and we feel we are on vacation!”

Pete and Florence celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 6, 2019.

He is preceded in death by his Mother and Father, Loretta and Eugene Polk; his big brother that he cherished, Gene Polk; and his little sister Star Polk.

He was such a loving uncle to all his nieces and nephews – Kim, Stafford, Lynn, Fritz, and Sani from Gene and Sally Polk and his niece and nephews from Star - Todd, Heather and Kelly.

He loved to go to Florence’s home in Jourdanton, Texas to see her family. Grandpa Joe Vyvlecka and Adela Vyvlecka are with Peter now.

Peter is survived by his wife Florence Polk and their six children – Keith, Brian, Denise, Duffy, Greg, and Beth.

Keith married Lisa Cicero. Their children are Shannon Gothard (married to Keith Gothard), Amber, Jenna and John. Keith has 4 grandchildren which are Great Grandchildren for Pete - Damyen, Apollo, Vincent and Aurora soon a new baby named Freya.

Brian married Beth Adoue. They have 4 children - Thomas, Tara, Rebecca, and Ryan.

Adela Denise Polk-Taylor (preceded in death Robert Taylor) have three children - Stephanie Kuhn, (married to Deitrich), Travis (married to Brandie Boghosian and soon to have a little one), and Jesse. Peter has three great grandchildren from Stephanie - Cage, Odin, and Ariel.

Duffy married Diane Witzke. They have a daughter Ashley.

Greg Polk married Susan Nash. They have 4 children - Molly, Benjamin, Sean, and Rachael.

Beth married Daryl Durbin. They have 3 children - Drew, Dana and Madison.

Peter loved his family, and when the phone would ring or the door would open there was always a huge smile on his face. Faith, family and community were his priorities and his loves.