Janet L. Polacek

Janet Lynn Polacek, 75, of Rib Lake was called to her heavenly home on January 22, 2023.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday January 28 at St John Lutheran Church in Rib Lake.  Her memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.  Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery, Rib Lake.

Janet was born April 12, 1947 in Pontiac, Illinois but grew up in Rib Lake.  She attended Rib Lake schools where she met the love of her life, Doug, in high school.  They were married September 19, 1964.  Doug and Janet moved to Chicago for several years and started a family.  They moved back to Rib Lake to raise Lynn and later had Doug Jr.  Janet was a working mother.  She worked at the Little Bohemia, the nursing home and at Gem products in Rib Lake.  She also worked at Tombstone pizza until retiring in 2004.

Janet was a wonderful wife and mother who was also well loved by so many friends both young and old.  She faithfully served in St John’s Church for over 50 years.  She was devoted to her family as a wife, daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother.  Janet bowled with friends, danced, travelled, and socialized.  She also enjoyed quiet time reading and watching many HGTV shows.  Janet was all this and more.  She was the classy life of the party. Her smile and fun-loving personality lit up the room and made friends for life wherever she went.  She looked forward to Monday night coffee with her siblings every week for the last 20 years.  Janet was never late because the last person would usually get talked about. On Fridays, she enjoyed coffee with her in-laws to catch up on the latest family updates (aka gossip). There was always a smile on her face when someone was at her door and her signature laugh couldn’t help but make you laugh along with her.  Janet loved the ocean even though she wouldn’t go in for fear of sharks.  She loved the sound of the surf as she walked along the beach with Doug.  Janet was a lifetime fashionista and was well versed in pop culture and movies; she was cool without trying.  She was also outspoken about her dislike of cooking even though she was a great cook. Janet loved cleaning and prided herself in having a clean and welcoming home. 

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Norbert and Dorothy.  She is survived by husband, Doug; daughter, Lynn (Justin); son, Douglas (Mani); siblings, Darlene (Dave), Bev (Corky), Mary, Mike, Jean, and Joe; grandchildren Bri, Shane (Kaleigh), Ryan, Trey, Jonathan, and Luke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred for later designation.

Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hemerfuneralservice.com.

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