Joseph John Polek, Sr.

July 21 , 1941 - October 23 , 2026

VISITATIONS:

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home

SERVICES:

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

10:00 AM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

Entombment

Michigan Memorial Park

SEND FLOWERS

Obituary

Joseph John Polek, Sr., age 85, of Trenton, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2026. Born on July 21, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, Joseph dedicated much of his life to his work as a robot repair technician at Ford Motor Company, where his skill and dedication were well regarded.

A lifelong enthusiast, Joseph was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed bowling in his leisure time. He also found joy in playing the accordion, sharing his music with family and friends.

He was well known and loved as the crossing guard at Anderson Elementry School in Trenton where he and his faithful companion, Hunter, helped children safely cross the streets surrounding the school.

Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol Polek, and his sisters, Theresa Andrews and Mary Ann Halasy. He is survived by his children, Tina (Jerry) Sheppard and Joseph Polek, Jr.; his granddaughter Autumn (Matt) Lyles; and his great-grandson Jamison (J.J.).

Joseph’s warm spirit and commitment to those he loved will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Condolences

I knew Joe, he came to my wedding my in laws had lived next to him in Trenton, Mr. & Mrs. Cross. I remember during the ceremony his phone received a text, and it said "say cheese" it made everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed. Dawn Karls
I knew Joe from Trenton, he had lived next to my in laws, Mr.& Mrs. Cross. He was at my wedding and during the ceremony his phone went off, and it just said "say cheese" brought a laugh. He will be missed dearly Dawn Karls
Uncle Joe was one of a kind—a loving uncle, a loyal friend, and a character who knew how to make people laugh and give everyone a hard time in his own fun way . He had a big heart, a great sense of humor, and an unwavering love for his Detroit Red Wings, sticking with them through the good times, the bad times, and more seasons of heartbreak than any fan should have to endure. We can only hope that heaven has a good hockey package, because Uncle Joe will surely be keeping an eye on the Wings and offering his opinions to anyone within earshot. Joe is now reunited with his wife Carol, beloved sisters, Terry and Mary Anne, along with my dad, Bill, and Uncle Johnny, who passed before him. We can picture the reunion already, with plenty of hugs, laughter, stories, a few “high balls”and probably a little arguing about hockey and who was right about what all those years ago. While our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the memories, the laughs, and the love Joe brought into our lives especially while playing polkas with his vintage accordion. He leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly, remember him always, and continue telling his stories for years to come—some of which may even be true! Rest easy, Uncle Joe. You were loved more than you knew, you will be missed more than words can say, and you'll never be forgotten. And if the Red Wings happen to win the Stanley Cup, we know you'll be celebrating up there! Rest in peace Uncle Joe Love your nephew Bruce #10 Bruce Andrews
Uncle Joe was one of a kind—a loving uncle, a loyal friend, and a character who knew how to make people laugh and give everyone a hard time in his own fun way . He had a big heart, a great sense of humor, and an unwavering love for his Detroit Red Wings, sticking with them through the good times, the bad times, and more seasons of heartbreak than any fan should have to endure. We can only hope that heaven has a good hockey package, because Uncle Joe will surely be keeping an eye on the Wings and offering his opinions to anyone within earshot. Joe is now reunited with his wife Carol, beloved sisters, Terry and Mary Anne, along with my dad, Bill, and Uncle Johnny, who passed before him. We can picture the reunion already, with plenty of hugs, laughter, stories, a few “high balls”and probably a little arguing about hockey and who was right about what all those years ago. While our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the memories, the laughs, and the love Joe brought into our lives especially while playing polkas with his vintage accordion. He leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly, remember him always, and continue telling his stories for years to come—some of which may even be true! Rest easy, Uncle Joe. You were loved more than you knew, you will be missed more than words can say, and you'll never be forgotten. And if the Red Wings happen to win the Stanley Cup, we know you'll be celebrating up there! Rest in peace Uncle Joe Love your nephew Bruce #10 Bruce Andrews
Joe is going to be missed by everyone who knew him! He went out of his way to make me feel welcome when I first moved into the neighborhood over 26 years ago. He told me that his wife loved how I decorated for Christmas and would sit in the living room and watch me spend hours outside doing so. I know he loved talking about Ford motor company, his dog Hunter, his kids and his granddaughter! Our loss is heaven’s gain! May the good Lord wrap his loving arms around his entire family during his time of morning! Curtis and Jan Cole Great Neighbor