Agnes Polasek

With a journey that spanned nearly a century, Agnes Polasek lived a life that was filled with faith, service toward others, and unconditional love. She was a warm, approachable, and gracious woman with a certain poise about her that made her truly beautiful on the inside and out. Although her life was not always easy, her faith never wavered as she considered both the peaks and the valleys to be part of God’s perfect plan for her life. With a family that blossomed to include children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, her greatest joy was found in being surrounded by her loved ones. Although she will be deeply missed, her family and friends find comfort in knowing that Agnes is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

As WWI gained momentum, America had high hopes of remaining neutral as President Woodrow Wilson declared that “America was too proud to fight.” However, those hopes were dashed when repeated hostile acts in the Pacific left us with no choice but to engage in the fight for the preservation of the freedoms that we still enjoy today in April of 1917. It was just prior to this historic day that a bustling young family from Wayland, Michigan, was delighted to welcome a healthy baby girl into the fold on January 6th. Agnes was the middle of 10 children born to her parents, John and Mary (Farsky) Miklusicak, and she was raised on a 100 acre family farm alongside her older siblings, John, Joe, and twins Frank and Mary, and her younger siblings, twins Ann and Andy, Tom, Mart, and Carl. Sadly, Andy died when he was just three months old. Their family had a variety of things on their farm including two of various fruit trees and a huckleberry patch.

In many ways Agnes experienced a typical upbringing for the youth of her generation. As was common, she had her fair share of farm chores such as milking the cows (she always drank fresh, warm milk) and growing pickling cucumbers. She never minded doing chores on the farm but wasn't fond of those "nasty" turkeys. Agnes attended Wayland Schools including a one-room schoolhouse during her elementary years. Of course she walked to and from school as well. Agnes went on to graduate from that one room school house in Gregaryville in 1934. She continued to live on the farm after graduating until 1940. Agnes spent some time working as a waitress with her earnings going toward supporting the family. On one occasion she gave her last dime in church, and when she received a whole dollar for a tip a short time later she was given the assurance that God always gives back ten fold. This was something she willingly shared with others for the rest of her life. When our nation entered into WWII, Agnes began working in the brass factory as manufacturing was primarily focused on supporting the war effort.

Not to be forgotten during her years as a young woman was Agnes’ introduction to the young man of her dreams. He was a fellow church member named John Polasek, and they met at a dance hall, the Dixie, in Bradley, Michigan. It was not long after they met that our nation was forever changed with the vicious attack on our naval base in Pearl Harbor. John became one of the countless young servicemen who was sent overseas to serve during this time of great need. They corresponded through letters while John was in the military. After he returned stateside the couple ended their relationship, but John soon discovered that he wanted to get back together. In an attempt to make contact, he drove his car into a ditch near her home and went up to the house to borrow a tractor. The rest is history as they say. With a desire to establish a life together the sweethearts were married in 1946, a day that would forever remain the best day of Agnes’ life. A delightful surprise at the wedding was when all three priests showed up to share in the ceremony.

The newlyweds settled in Plainwell where they raised their family that grew to include six children, Ed, Jeannette, Margie, Ruth, Mary, and Rita. When becoming a mother she left the workforce to focus her attention on caring for her home and family. There were always dogs and cats around that were like additional members of the Polasek family. Agnes was resourceful and hardworking as she had a large vegetable garden and also canned much of her yield. Her family appreciated her skills in the kitchen as everything she made was fantastic including the family favorite - her fried chicken made with her own secret recipe. Agnes ran a tight ship and was strict when needed while her children were young as she was the primary caregiver. Sundays usually found them visiting with her mother, and they also went to visit friends at times, too. As her children grew older and had families of their own, Agnes loved having her family over for holiday celebrations. She was deeply saddened with John’s death in 1973.

After John passed away, Agnes prayed for work. God answered her prayers with many jobs as a housekeeper. She also supplemented this income with a small acreage of raising fruits and vegetables. She loved to be out doors, in blue skies, and soaking and walking her bare feet in the freshly tilled soil. She offered her produce at a small roadside table. Later she developed a trade with a local restaurant. It was a challenge but she rose every morning and tended the needs of the garden. She worked at this for over twenty years.

She also enjoyed traveling. Her favorite place was the Indian River Shrine in Northern Michigan. Her relationship with family took her to many out of state visits to California, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. It seems fitting that her passing should occur around Labor Day as she loved this freedom to enjoy the views of what was around the next bend. It was usually Labor Day weekends that she traveled up north.

Throughout her life Agnes had a deep, steadfast faith. During her younger years she was a parishioner at St. Cyril Methodius Church of Wayland whose tasks included bringing flowers to church for mass. Over the years she was active within her church in a variety of ways, and she was also a member of the League of Mary. Agnes was responsible for starting the Sunday morning Rosary and was honored with a plaque from the Knights of Columbus for her contributions to the Church.

A woman of many interests, Agnes was one to keep busy. She listened to polka music, and for many years she and John loved going out dancing. There were many trips to Yankee Springs State Park as well as several church outings. During her younger days she loved bowling, and when at home she enjoyed relaxing while doing embroidery.

All who knew Agnes Polasek would agree that she was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was accepting of everyone and made forgiving others seem effortless. Agnes was genuine in her concern for people, which is perhaps what made her such a great listener, and she was understanding and quick to give others the benefit of the doubt as well. Her devotion to her family was easy to see, and her children all say she was the best mom they could ever hope for. Agnes will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her many friends and loved ones.

Agnes Polasek, of Plainwell, died on August 29, 2014, at Diana’s Care Assisted Living. Agnes’ family includes her children: Ed Polasek, Jeannette (Larry) Friel, Margie (Mike) Korabik, Ruth (David) Yoshikawa, Mary Klinger and Rita Morin; 11 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Anne as well as several nieces and nephews. Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, John. Please visit Agnes’ memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations can be made to St. Margaret’s Catholic Church.