Rudolph L. Polach

OTTAWA – Rudolph L. Polach, age 86, of Ottawa, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date at Gladfelter Funeral Home.

Rudolph was born August 4, 1926 in Chicago, a son of John and Valeria (Natusek) Polach.  He married Norma J. Protch August 18, 1951 at St. Mary’s Church in Naplate.  Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Norma; his children, Theodore (Yuki) Polach of Florida, Randolph (Nancy) and Donald Polach all of Ottawa and David Polach of Missouri.  He also leaves nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Roy (June) Polach of California, one sister, Rosemary Polach also of California and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Stephie Smith; a nephew, Charles Smith; and a grandson at birth.

Mr. Polach graduated from St. John’s High School in Fresno, California in 1944.  He joined the U.S. Army 11 ^th Airborne in 1945 and served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II.  He was awarded the Bronze Service Phillipines Liberation Ribbon with a Bronze Service World War II Victory Ribbon.  After his service duty, he worked as a bookkeeper for an oil company in Fresno, then moved to Ottawa where he worked at Libbey Owens until his retirement in 1988.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.