Thomas J Polacek

It is with Heavy Hearts and Tears in Our Eyes that we are sharing this with you.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and Soldier passed peacefully into Eternal Rest on December 9, 2024 at the age of 78.

Born on October 5, 1946 in Milwaukee, Tom's life will be remembered as one filled with love and dedication for his Family, Friends and our Country.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sandra (nee Taube) and his daughters Rocky & Missy. Tom's life was deeply enriched by Sandy - his lifelong love and wife of over 56 years. They met on the first day of classes at Cudahy High School over 60 years ago. After serving overseas in the Air Force during the Vietnam War he returned home to marry the love of his life Sandy and together they raised two amazing daughters, Roxanne Dirnberger and Melissa Polacek-Ryan.

Following in their parents' footsteps of devotion and true love, both daughters found their soulmates in Tom's brave son-in-law's, Steve Dirnberger and Corey Ryan whom he loved like his own sons.

In addition to the family that Tom and Sandy made he will be dearly missed by his siblings Ronald Polacek (Lois), Steven Polacek (Karen), Kyrian Gray, Dorie Kirkwood.

Tom is also survived by grandchildren: Tyler Lutz, Jake Lutz, Zack Polacek, Adam Ryan and Daphne Ryan. He was a proud "Papa" that always made time to spoil his grandkids.

He was called Tommy and TJ by those that were close to him including his many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, fellow Army National Guard brothers and dear friends.

Tom was a proud Air Force Vietnam War Veteran. Later he served as a member of the Wisconsin Army National Guard for 16 years (Alpha Battery 121st Artillery Regiment) where he liked being called "Old Sarge". Tom had over 22 years of combined military service.

In addition to his Military career(s) he worked as a third shift Journeyman Machinist for over 40 years at P&H in Milwaukee while always working extra jobs like County Stadium Beer tender, to support his family and keep active.

Through the years, everyone laughed at his "dad" jokes and enjoyed his homemade pizzas on Saturday nights & the annual outdoor BBQ every New Year's day. Tom also enjoyed playing darts while drinking beer and whiskey, completing crossword puzzles, tinkering in the garage & reading Tom Clancy and Stephen King novels.

Toms legacy lives on in all of us and the Polacek name will carry on in the Army National Guard on his grandsons uniform that is in the same unit.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents Thomas & Dorothy Polacek, in-laws Charles & Romaine Taube, sister Patricia Renier, and grandson Brett Thomas Lutz.

Tom's legacy will be love of family and service to his Country. His memory will be cherished by all that knew him. His memorable sense of humor, contagious laughter, wide cheesy smile and even bigger heart will never be forgotten.

A memorial gathering will be on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 5:00PM to 7:00PM at Prasser Kleczka 6080 South 27th Street Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite Veteran organization or MADACC (Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control) in his honor.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of St Luke's South Shore Hospital and the Aurora Home Hospice Clinical staff for their compassionate care.