Darrell F. Polenske

September 11, 1937 - June 4, 2019

NORFOLK -- Funeral service for Darrell F. Polenske, 81, of Norfolk, formerly of Randolph, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk with Rev. Randy Rasmussen officiating. Interment will be at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Norfolk. Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, also at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #16, V.F.W. Post #1644, United States Army Honors Guard. Darrell died Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at the St. Joseph's Care Center in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Darrell Frederick Polenske was born in Norfolk, NE. on September 11, 1937 to Fritz and Minnie (Wichmann) Polenske. He was baptized on October 10, 1937 and confirmed on May 25, 1952 both at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE. Darrell graduated from School District #69 in Madison County on May 6, 1952. Darrell then joined the National Guard in 1956 and was in for 9 years. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He married Arlene Franzen on June 28, 1959 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE and moved from farm to farm in the area until they bought the farm they resided on until November 2016. To this union 4 sons were born Mike, Delbert, Stan and Tim. Darrell worked for Gilbert Haase, Dean Timperley, Leland Timperley and Don Liedman. Darrell also worked at Red’s welding shop, hauled chickens to Central City, Ne and State Pheasant farm south of Norfolk. Darrell and Arlene raised cattle, hogs, chickens, ponies, basset hound puppies, milked cows, and sold milk, cream and fruit. They grew soybeans, corn, oats and alfalfa. Darrell enjoyed his time driving Belgium and Norwegian Fjord horses in the field and going in parades. He liked to “shoot the moon” when playing cards with the neighbors. Darrell has many antique tractors and always said “Farmall or red are the best”. He really enjoyed tractor drives and parades. He has a collector toy tractor for every tractor he owned while farming. Peanut, his Pomeranian dog, was his faithful companion along with dogs Lucy and Blackie. Darrell is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Arlene Polenske, four sons Mike and Marchele and children Madison and Matthew; Delbert and Carol child Alex and his children Andrea, Aubrey and Ava and step grandchildren Ashley, Justin (Shantel) , step great grandchildren Belle, Carter, and Camden; Stanley and Cheri and children McKayleigh, BrookLynn and RyAnna; Timothy and Susie and children Nicholas, Ryan, Logan and Mackensie and great granddaughter Oaklynn. Darrell is presided in death by his parents Fritz and Minnie Polenske, grandparents, brother Larry and his first wife Mary Jane and infant son David and his second wife Renee, brother Jerry and his wife Sharon and infant son, uncles, aunts, cousins. Organist will be Steve Reinke and soloist will be Becky Miller. Pallbearers will be Alex Polenske, Ryan Polenske, Nicholas Polenske, Logan Polenske, Matthew Polenske, Guy Polenske, Keith Polenske, Mark Polenske, Jason Polenske, Steve Polenske. Honorary pallbearers will be Lucas Miller, Frank Wattier, Doug Backer, Dennis Backer, Ed Huwaldt, Francis Bermel, Keith Huwaldt, Steve Pojar, Ronnie Papstein, Mark Nordhues, Howell Rees, and Dave Scholl. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.