Francis D. Polifka

Francis D. "Frank" Polifka

Up the stairs and around the corner, you would be greeted by a familiar face — resting in his chair at the kitchen table, burly-bearded, sparkling blue eyes peeking from behind glasses, shirt unbuttoned, belly over blue jeans, and cowboy boots fashioned over the spot-worn linoleum.  A dependable man of consistency and routine, you could always find his smile, an endless supply of witty jokes, catch phrases, kind words and listening ears.

Be it 3rd grade arithmetic, family discourse, agricultural invention, political resolve, or envisioning the impossible, many problems were brought before him, not only at this table, but anywhere he was available.  With an enormous heart and infinite empathy, if you were in need, he was there to help.  He thrived on challenges and solutions were his specialty as he endeavored to make his corner of the world better for all.  

Frank loved his family, his country, and the land with a fierce determination to see them thrive. He was a provider and a teacher. He lead by example, from butchered beef on the table to patented inventions in the New York Times. He was open-minded, listened without judgment, and offered perspective and opinion from a wealth of knowledge. Gracious, yet frugal, he made time to take care of his parents’ and family's needs no matter the circumstances.  He lived a richer life knowing his family and friends loved him and would do anything for him.  

Born to Frank and Alice Polifka on Dec. 31,1937

Raised with Arlen Polifka and Jeanette (Polifka) DeNucci

Married to Ruth Brungardt Polifka on Feb. 6, 1960, in the Sacred Heart Church, Emmeram Kansas.

His Children are Deb Polifka-Pape and Jeff, Francis Alan Polifka, Kathy (Polifka) Ostrander and Tom, Jack Polifka, Sarah Polifka and David Spady

Grandfather and great grandfather of Terri
Polifka, Nic Conroy, Randall Polifka, Matthew Johnson, Clarke Ostrander, Amanda Johnson, Chase Polifka, Alicia Johnson, Joshua Johnson, Jack Anthony Polifka, Abby Ostrander, Jade Polifka, Kyra
Polifka-Wilhelm, Ashley Ostrander, Paige Polifka-Denson

Preceded in death by his parents and son Francis A. Polifka.

Funeral Services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at the St. Catherine Catholic Church, Catharine, Kansas.  A parish vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary at 7:00 both on Monday at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine.  Friends may call on Monday from 4 until 8 pm and on Tuesday from 9 am until 9:30, all at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to the Catherine Charitable Trust, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com

A moment will come, at the end of our day, when we climb the stairs for a final time to see this familiar face again and know we are home.