Catherine Polarek Obituary
In loving memory of Catherine Polarek of Effingham, Illinois, who departed this world on January 2, 2025 at the age of 86. Catherine leaves behind a legacy remembered by family and friends. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Jim Ormrod and Margaret Ormrod (Gleasner); her sister Valerie Smith; her brothers-in-law, Melvin Polarek and Donald Smith; her sons-in-law, Wes Anderson and Brad McDonald; and her grandson Silas Jaxon Burdette.
She is survived by: her husband Kenneth Polarek of Effingham; her children, Lisa Anderson (Mike Roche) of Manhattan, IL, Laura Didier of Effingham, Ken Polarek (Theresa), Mary Beth McDonald of McDonough, GA and Michelle Hieserman (Bryan) of Atlanta, GA; her grandchildren, Ryan (Emily), Nicholas (Amy), Jaclynn (Russ), Justin (Nicole), Megan, Abigail (Jesse), Victoria, Tara Rose, Ali, Elm (Chris), Meghan, Kenny and Colin (Kathleen); her great grandchildren, Sydney, Scout, Lily, Natalie, Chloe, Jayden, Marley, Aaro, Olivia, Violet and Thomas; her brother William Ormrod (Debbie); and her brother-in-law David Polarek.
Visitation was held on Thursday, January 9th 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral Home (1110 N 4th St, Effingham, IL 62401). A rosary was held on Thursday, January 9th 2025 at 8:00 PM at the same location. A funeral Mass was held on Friday, January 10th 2025 at 10:00 AM at the St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church (101 E Virginia Ave, Effingham, IL 62401).
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to St Anthony Church or School.
