Martha Polacek

Martha Melinda Polacek, age 71 of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 28th, 2010 at the Hospice House in Baraboo. She was born on March 6th, 1939 in Coloma, Wisconsin to August and Gwendolyn Wruck. Martha graduated from Westfield High School in 1957. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point graduating with a degree in education in May 1961. She married Ronald Polacek on June 10th, 1961 in Coloma.

Martha taught briefly at the Montello school district and then spent over thirty-five years as a teacher for the Westfield School District. After retirement she continued to teach as a substitute for Westfield and Adams school districts. She continued to spend time in the classroom sharing her love of art and enthusiasm for life with children until January of 2010.

Martha had a keen interest for the history of her family. The Wrucks and Damrhose on her father’s side made her a second generation US born citizen. Her mother’s families, the Pierces and Edsons, had rich histories dating back to the early settlers. She loved to hear and tell the story of her grandfather Pierces time at little big horn.

Her interest in that family heritage inspired Martha to start the Ethnic Bed and Breakfast in the family home on the corner of Second and Charles in Westfield. Two of the themed rooms were decorated for her families’ German and English heritage; a third, the Czech room, was in honor of her husband’s family. Ron and Martha greeted and entertained guests from around the world for over twenty years.

Survivors include sons Michael (Christine) Polacek, Reedsburg; Jeff Polacek, Westfield; Paul Polacek, Wisconsin Dells; two grandsons, Spencer and Cody Polacek; two sisters, Joanne Wein, Bullhead City, AZ; Ruth Jaeger, Green Bay; one brother, Randy Wruck, Sauk City; other relatives and many friends. Martha was preceded in death by her husband Ronald, father August Wruck, her mother Gwen and her sister Geraldine Hammonds.

A funeral service for Martha will be held on Monday, May 3, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield with Rev. Ron Riemer officiating. Interment will be in Westfield East Cemetery, Westfield. A visitation will be held on Sunday, May 2, 2010 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home, Westfield and on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Westfield; or Budda Box Fight Against Cancer of Marquette County.