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Darrell F. Polenske

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NORFOLK — Darrell F. Polenske, 81, Norfolk, formerly of Randolph, died June 4, 2019, at the St. Joseph’s Care Center, Norfolk.

Visitation was Friday at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk.

Funeral service were June 8, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk, with Rev. Randy Rasmussen officiating.

Interment was at the Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery, Norfolk. Military rites were provided by the American Legion Post #16, V.F.W. Post #1644, United States Army Honors Guard.

Pallbearers were Alex Polenske, Ryan

Polenske, Nicholas Polenske, Logan Polenske, Matthew Polenske, Guy Polenske, Keith Polenske, Mark Polenske, Jason Polenske and Steve Polenske.

Honorary pallbearers were Lucas Miller, Frank Wattier, Doug Backer, Dennis Backer, Ed Huwaldt, Francis Bermel, Keith Huwaldt, Steve Pojar, Ronnie Papstein, Mark Nordhues, Howell Rees and Dave Scholl.

Stonacek Funeral Chapel, Norfolk, was in charge of the arrangements.

Darrell Frederick Polenske was born in Norfolk Sept. 11, 1937, to Fritz and Minnie (Wichmann) Polenske. He was baptized Oct. 10, 1937, and confirmed May 25, 1952, both at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk. Darrell graduated from School District #69 in Madison County May 6, 1952. Darrell then joined the National Guard in 1956 and served for nine years. He was honorably discharged in 1965. He married Arlene Franzen June 28, 1959, at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Norfolk, and moved from farm to farm in the area until they bought the farm where they resided until November 2016. They had four sons Mike, Delbert, Stan and Tim.

Darrell worked for Gilbert Haase, Dean Timperley, Leland Timperley and Don Liedman.

Darrell also worked at Red’s welding shop, hauled chickens to Central City, and State Pheasant farm south of Norfolk. Darrell and Arlene raised cattle, hogs, chickens, ponies, basset hound puppies, milked cows, and sold milk, cream and fruit. They grew soybeans, corn, oats and alfalfa. Darrell enjoyed his time driving Belgium and Norwegian Fjord horses in the field and in parades. He liked to “shoot the moon” when playing cards with the neighbors. Darrell has many antique tractors and always said “Farmall or red are the best.” He really enjoyed tractor drives and parades. He has a collector toy tractor for every tractor he owned while farming. Peanut, his Pomeranian dog, was his faithful companion along with dogs, Lucy and Blackie.

Darrell is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Arlene Polenske, four sons Mike and Marchele, and children Madison and Matthew; Delbert and Carol, child, Alex, and his children, Andrea, Aubrey and Ava and step grandchildren, Ashley, Justin (Shantel), step great-grandchildren Belle, Carter, and Camden; Stanley and Cheri, and children, McKayleigh, BrookLynn and RyAnna; Timothy and Susie, and children, Nicholas, Ryan, Logan and Mackensie, and great-granddaughter, Oaklynn.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Minnie Polenske; grandparents; brother, Larry, and his first wife, Mary Jane. and infant, son, David and his second wife, Renee; brother, Jerry, and his wife, Sharon, and infant son; uncles, aunts, cousins.