Robert Joseph Polak

Robert Joseph Polak

May 22, 1940 – January 9, 2023

Everyone who met Bob Polak will agree that he was a fair, honest, intelligent man who spoke his mind, with integrity in a time when a man’s word was his bond.  He listened before he spoke and his words meant something.  Bob lived a full life and touched so many along the way. 

Bob loved the outdoors and inspired that same love in his children and grandchildren.  He had an amazing ability to understand how things work and could fix anything.  He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, from a chocolate milkshake to an iced tea visit on the back porch.  He loved trips to Isla Mujeres with Ann.  He was very proud of his family and happiest when surrounded by family and friends.  Bob had a love of fishing that he learned from his father and shared with his sons.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a loyal and generous friend to many.     

Bob was born on May 22, 1940 in Harlingen, Texas.  He grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force.  He graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a B.S. in Mathematics.  He lived most of his life on the Gulf Coast and, after a career as a field engineer with Dresser Atlas, he settled in Lake Charles where he worked as a business owner and raised his family. Bob enjoyed his retirement with family and friends until he left this world on January 9, 2023.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Ann Polak; daughter, Betty Halac (Rudy); sons, Sam Polak (Jennifer), Charley Polak (Jill), Nick Limberis (Melissa), and grandchildren, Zach, Claire, Bryce, Matthew, Garrett, Amanda and Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Polak; mother, Helen Polak, and brothers, Richard and Frank Polak. 

A visitation will be held at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles on Thursday, January 12, 2023 beginning at 9:00 a.m. Memorial services in celebration of Bob’s life will follow at 10:30 am in the chapel.  Monsignor Daniel Torres will officate. Bob had a strong Christian faith, read and studied the Bible daily, and is now enjoying the reward of a life well-spent. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a favorite charity or teaching a kid to fish, in memory of Bob.