Jean Rose Polacek, 88, Phillips

Jean Rose Polacek
May 23, 1937 – November 6, 2025
Jean Rose Polacek, 88, of Phillips (Town of Worcester), passed away unexpectedly at
her home on Thursday, November 6, 2025. She was born in Cook County, Chicago, on
May 23, 1937, the daughter of Charles and Jennie Tingo. Jean graduated from Phillips
High School in 1955.
In August of that same year, she married John Hradnansky. After his tragic passing,
Jean later found love again and married James Polacek on November 27, 1965.
Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and hard work. Jean served as the office
manager for Polacek Implement, all while raising her growing family with grace and
devotion.
Jean’s faith was a guiding light throughout her life. A devoted member of St. Therese
Catholic Church, she attended Mass faithfully and was active in the Council of Catholic
Women. She took great pride in her home and garden—spending summer days tending
to her flowers and lawn, and winter evenings reading or playing solitaire. Above all, she
cherished time spent with her family, who brought her the greatest joy.
Jean is survived by her nine children: Barbara (Jim) Dunbar, Linda (Bob) Dunbar,
Charles Polacek, Janet (Steve) Maier, Joan (Leon) Endres, Laura (Roger) Upson, David
(Malia) Polacek, Lisa (Kip) Shaver, and Julie (Tony) Lesch; twenty-two grandchildren:
Kelly, Jennie, John, Becky, Mandy, Casey, Tyler, Alissa, Jacob, Ryan, Nicholas, Ashlyn,
Erica, Rachel, Ashley, Nicole, Justin, Jered, Derek, Sophia, Grace, and Raymond; nine
great-grandchildren: Darren, Cora, Will, Jack, Henry, Bobby, Virginia, Evelyn, and
Lucas; and two great-great-grandchildren: Saylor and Hayes.
She is also survived by her siblings: Antoinette Klimowski, Marie Fojtik, Ronald (Diane)
Tingo, and Kenneth (Karen) Tingo; her sister-in-law, Jeanette Tingo; and many beloved
nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands John
and James, and her brother Charles Tingo.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church or
the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, organizations close to Jean’s heart.
Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is
serving the family.