Mr. Leo Jude Polega

The first day of summer in June, 1938 welcomed Leo Jude Polega to the world born in a farm house located near 10 mile road and Jewell in Rockford MI. Mr. Leo Jude Polega age 86 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away peacefully into eternity on Sunday March 2, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Adrianne and daughter Laura Radke (Scott) of Wentzvile, Missouri, and son Kenneth Polega of Grand Rapids, MI., grandchildren Holly Radke of Provo, Utah and grandson, Christian Radke of Florida. Leo was predeceased by his brother Fred Polega, sister, Anne Regelin(Loren) sister Frances Majerczak and special sister-in-law Patricia Danbom of Harlingen, TX and brother-in-law George Berg. Leo attended Sacred Heart Grammar School, Catholic Central School (currently West Catholic and attended Davenport College part-time. Upon graduation Leo began a career in Offset Printing for one of the larger folding carton companies in America. He completed a 4 year training program where he became a first pressman on a 76" Michle Offset press. After several years of working in Chicago, during which time he met and married Adrianne, had his first child his daughter Laura, he was offered a position back in his hometown of Grand Rapids. During this time, he became a dad to his son Kenneth - When the nurses came and told Adrianne that she had a son, she said "Go tell Leo that he just got his new fishing partner!! Leo was a dedicated family man spending many hours teaching his kids many of the things that they would need in their future lives. He coached Little League baseball, showed the kids how to plant a vegetable garden and attended all of their school functions. Because Leo's both parents had died when he was still in high school, he became his own self taught person. Adrianne said he saved the family hundreds of dollars in repair bills, because he fixed her washing machine numerous times. When his father in law, an experienced automobile mechanic asked him to come out to the garage and help with various mechanical jobs he was working on, Leo enthusiastically learned everything that he could, which was a Godsend to him during all his life - He was able to put on new brakes, mufflers, alternators and became proficient enough to pass on his knowledge to both Laura & Ken. Laura's car broke down and she was able to get the old tire off and install her spare tire all because she learned that from her Dad! Leo retired from his printing position with Grand Rapids Community College after 25 years of service. Following his daughter's footsteps, Leo began to volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House of West Michigan when Laura encouraged him to become a volunteer driver. He drove families of sick children to and from the area hospitals for 21 years. He won an award for volunteering for the longest number of years at that time. Each fall Leo and Ken could b seen deer hunting out at their favorite farmer's land in northern Montcalm County. They both began a friendship with Carl Paepke, the owner of the land and they would end up the day going back to the farm house and just chat about the events of the day. Carl and Ken developed a strong friendship - When Carl died and Leo and Ken weren't able to hunt on his land anymore, it had a profound effect on Ken - They fished all of their live going out in Leo’s fishing boat to many of the inland lakes. Leo and Adrianne traveled with kids on many vacations, many of which were camping trips. Trips to many of the national parks, which included Yellowstone, the Tetons, the Smokey Mountains and Mammoth Cave always were happy days for the entire family. Leo’s love for hiking included one of his many accomplishments and adventures- he hiked the entire Grand Canyon in Arizona on two occasions which was 16 miles round trip. Leo talked about it one of his most treasured adventures because of all the birds, critters, and fawns he encountered on the trail. He stayed over nite at the Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon where he met hikers from all over the world. After retirement, Leo continued playing softball for his St. Jude’s parish team – in all he played for more than 40 years – he joined the “over 35” team playing the outfield and then catcher in his later years. Leo enjoyed the guys and all after the game get togethers. For his 80th, birthday, his team coach Bruce Johnson planned a special birthday celebration, that meant the world to him. Leo’s love for his kids and grandkids goes without saying. His eyes would light up any time he knew Laura, Scott, Holly and Christian were coming to town. He would be out in his garden showing them all his potatoes, squash, peppers, onions, carrots and dill. One of his favorite pictures is of Holly at an early age stomping thru the garden pulling carrots out of the ground. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday March 11, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Jude's Catholic Church where he will repose one hour prior. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. His family wishes to thank Dr. Dan Drumm, his physician for more than 30 years for his dedicated care and empathy. Memorial contributions to the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids , 111 Lakeside Dr SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503 to be used only for the use and care of the retired sisters restricted to supporting the health care needs of the sisters or the Salvation Army, 1215 E Fulton Grand Rapids MI 49503, Attn: Robert Johnson for donation to the Turning Point program Grand Rapids

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Mr. Leo Jude Polega

June 21, 1938 - March 2, 2025