Joseph Polunc

Polunc, Joseph Anthony Born of Slovakian immigrant parents on May 22, 1925. He passed away on Dec. 31, 2006. He is the beloved husband of Betty, married for 59 years. Loving father to Joseph Polunc Jr. (wife Vicky), Joan Marie Demeter, (husband Terry), Mary Jo, and John. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Vrlik (John), sister-in-law Janice Klopp (Allan), sister-in-law Bernice Klefsaas, sister-in-law Mary Olsen and brother-in-law John Olsen (Delores). He is preceded in death by loving parents John and Anna, brother John, sisters Mary and Anne. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He grew up in the Seven Corners area of Minneapolis and attended St. Elizabeth's Catholic School. Some of his earliest employment was working for the Milwaukee Road Railroad as an electricians helper. He graduated from Minneapolis South High School in 1942 and was soon drafted into the U.S. Army. Joseph became a Squad Leader and attained the rank of Sergeant in the 314th Regiment, Company A (Tough Hombres), of the 79th Infantry Division (Cross of Lorraine). He was in the European Theatre 329 days and saw 262 days of actual combat. His regiment served under General Patton's Third Army. Sgt. Polunc saw many battles including receiving a Unit Citation for taking La Haye du Puits, Belgium. Additional fighting took place across Europe such as the Normandy Invasion D-Day plus 6, the Falaise Gap, Battle of the Vosges Mts., Saverne Gap, the Rhein River crossing, Battle of the Bulge and Operation Nordwind. Sgt. Polunc received a Purple Heart during his service and ended his fighting in Dortmund Germany. While there, he was an English-Slovak interpreter for two to three thousand displaced Ukranians and Russians. He was in service for 2 years, 4 months and 25 days for which he was paid $308.45. Sgt. Polunc was discharged from Camp McCoy Wisconsin on Dec. 31, 1945. While he didn't know it at the time, he was a participant in one of the greatest events in World History. After the War, he attended the College of St. Thomas (1950) and earned a B.A. in History. He then attended the University of Minnesota (1954) where he received a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. His continuing education afforded him a M.A. in Education in 1957 from the College of St. Thomas. Joseph was employed by the Minneapolis Public Schools for 34 years as a teacher and youth coordinator. He retired in 1989 to his home in South Minneapolis. He enjoyed being with his family and friends along with many activities such as fishing and golf. He was a member of the Slovak Catholic Sokol Wreath #178. He was a Slovak language instructor at St. Cyril's Catholic Church. Our family extends its deepest thanks and gratitude to the many medical professionals who provided care and treatment for him. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the St. Helena's Catholic School in South Minneapolis. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, Jan. 3, 10:00 AM, with visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass at St. Helena Catholic Church, 3204 E. 43rd St., Mpls. Visitation also Tuesday Jan. 2, 5:00-7:30 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Nokomis Park Chapel 612-721-1651 1838 E. Minnehaha Parkway

Tributes

Joseph Polunc

January 1, 2007

Tributes

Joseph Polunc

January 1, 2007

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