Rita M. Polak

Rita M. Polak, widow of Dick, died Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Butler County Health Care Center in David City. Rita M. Polak was born October 27, 1932 in Bruno, Nebraska to Emil and Kristina (Osmera) Cernohlavek. After graduating high school, she went on to attend some college classes and then taught school for two years at District 78 in Butler County. She also worked as a bookkeeper at Anderson Chevrolet in Wahoo. Shortly after her schooling, she was united in marriage to Richard Polak on September 25, 1954, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Brainard, Nebraska. Five children were born to this union. Rita was very active in the community. She was a life member of VFW Auxiliary Post 5814. She was also apart of many clubs which included Northside Club and Partners of the America's, where she hosted many foreign visitors. During Rita's free time, she volunteered at the Butler County Health Care Center, Alzheimer's Great Plains Chapter, where she served for over 25 years, and delivered Meals on Wheels with her husband for several years. She was also was a member of St. Mary's Church, St. Mary's PCCW and past member of St. Mary's School Board. She served as a past president of the Nebraska WIRE (Women in Rural Electives) Board, past board member of the NREWA (Native Rural Electric Women's Association), David City Library, and Friends of the Library. In 2000, Rita was recognized for her community work in David City and received the "Good Neighbor Award" from Nebraska's First Lady, Diane Nelson, for distinguished service. Rita is survived by her children: Diana (Bill) Kucera of Windsor, CO, Dr. Mark (Deb) Polak of Virginia Beach, VA, Joan (Dale) Stewart of McCook, NE, Karen (Randy) Johnson of Windsor, CO, and Anne (Nick) Reisinger of Winfield, MO. 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Dick, in 2016. Parish Rosary JUL 11. 9:30 AM (CT) St. Mary's Catholic Church David City, NE Funeral Mass JUL 11. 10:00 AM (CT) St. Mary's Catholic Church David City, NE Viewing JUL 11. 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM (CT) St. Mary's Catholic Church David City, NE Burial JUL 11 (CT) St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery David City, NE