Henry M. ‘Hank’ Polishak

He was born on December 2, 1929 in Perronville, son to Matthew and Bernice (Dyl) Polishak. Hank attended Harris High School and, during the Korean War, enlisted in the Air Force (1951). Following basic training he spent three months in England followed by one year in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1954 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star.

Following the passing of his father in December of 1959, Hank returned to Perronville to help his brother and mother on the dairy farm. He also worked at Harnischfeger from 1966 until their closure in 1983.

The farming continued as they raised beef cattle for a few years with his nieces and nephews spending summers at “the farm” to help out.

Hank enjoyed sports. In his younger adult years, he played on the Perronville Baseball Team. Also Hank was a long-time member of the Highland Golf Course, recording a hole in one and was named Senior League Champion in 1999. Hank also was acknowledged as the 1997-1998 Bark River Harris Sports Booster of the year. He loved politics, farming, and gardening. His garden supplied many friends and neighbors with vegetables — especially cucumbers.

Hank was a proud veteran and a member of the Bark River American Legion. He was very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the U.P. Honor Flight.

Survivors include his many beloved nieces and nephews who were more like his children; and a special family friend, who helped care for Hank.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Thomas (Joan), Walter, and Francis Polishak, Mary (Joe) Kamuda, Sophie (Ed) Blahnik, and Stephanie (Joseph) Smolucha.

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 16 at the Crawford Funeral Chapel in Bark River from 10:30 a.m. concluding with military honors at 12:15 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River with Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating. A meal will follow in the church hall with burial later taking place at St. Michael’s Cemetery in Perronville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the U.P. Honor Flight.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting The Crawford Funeral Homes at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.