Duane Polivka
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin, where Father David Bruener and Deacon Tom Anderson will officiate. Military honors will be accorded to Duane, a proud United States Air Force veteran. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the commencement of the Mass on Tuesday at the church.
Born on May 6, 1938, in Friendship to Harry and Frieda (Weber) Polivka, Duane’s journey encompassed academic achievements, military service, and a distinguished legal career. After graduating from Adams-Friendship High School, he served with honor in the United States Air Force. Duane’s dedication to education led him to UW Madison, where he earned his law degree, a testament to his resilience and hard work.
In 1961, Duane married his first wife, Sue Weihe, raising four children: Cathy, Mike, Debbie, and Danny. Later Duane and Mary Krekowski were married for the past 31 years. Duane’s professional legacy spanned 25 years as a dedicated attorney in private practice, serving as guardian ad litem and district attorney before being elected as a circuit court judge. He remained in this esteemed position until his well-deserved retirement.
Beyond his legal pursuits, Duane was a man of many passions. A gifted singer with a beautiful voice, he enjoyed the simple pleasures of good beer, singing, dancing, and the timeless tunes of Elvis. Known for his quick wit and humor, he embraced life fully, traveling with Mary both throughout the United States and abroad. As a pilot, fishing enthusiast, and gardener, Duane found joy in these cherished pastimes. An unwavering Green Bay Packers fan, his intellect and brightness shone in every aspect of his life.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Frieda, two sons, Danny and Mike, brother-in-law Frank Pfeiffer, and several aunts and uncles.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; daughters, Cathy (Mike) and Debbie; brother, Robert (Nancy); and sister, Darlene Pfeiffer. Duane’s legacy extends to his grandchildren: Bradley, Hilliary, Lee (Madi), Mallory (Johnny), Trevor (Courtney), and Alex, as well as great-grandchildren Ellie, Owen, Gracie, and Cashton. He is further survived by his stepchildren: Steve Krekowski (Gene Marty), and Julie Marks; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a multitude of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Adams-Friendship VFW, Gundersen Memorial Hospital, or a charitable organization of your choice.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is honored to assist the family during this time. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.roseberrys.com.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mary and her family . It was a pleasure taking care of Duane or as I called him judge. He will greatly missed. So many fawn memories made and cherished.
Sending my condolences to the Polivka family. Always enjoyed talking to and appearing before Duane. I grew up with the story that my Gramma Falk was the midwife for Frieda when Duane was born. May your faith, love, and memories keep you strong at this sad time.
I’m sorry to hear of Duane’s passing; my condolences to Mary and the rest of the family.
Condolences, so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to Cathy, Debbie and the rest of the family.
My condolences to Duane Polivka’s family, a fellow US Air Force Airman and veteran.
We are so sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. We enjoyed being around him. He will be sorely missed by so many; we need more gifted people like him.
Mary & family, I’m sorry to see Judge Polivka passed away. I always enjoyed his company when he was assigned to Wood County cases & used our courtroom & chambers. He was such a pleasant (and humorous!) gentleman whenever we would run into each other as well. I know he adored you and his family. Rest in Peace Judge Polivka.
Very sorry to see that Duane passed away, he sure was a great guy with a fantastic sense of humor, we could use another Duane Polivka around here, sincere condolences to his family
Mary, and family so very sorry to hear of Duane’s passing . I enjoyed talking and seeing him when I would be visiting his mother Frieda and Dave . Duane was a kind and generous man who always had time to stop and talk with a great sense of humor. You have my deepest sympathy. Take care .
My condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My deepest sympathy to all of Duanes family.
So sorry to hear about Duane. I knew Steve & Gene through work & met Mary many years ago. Steve always spoke highly of Duane. May he rest in peace.
I’m sure my Mom and Dad,(Lonnie and Jan Pease) have alot of catching up to do! So sorry Mary, Cathey,Debbie. Know he is in great hands with Lonnie! Oh boy! RIP Duane!
Mary, So Sorry for your loss, sending prayers and hugs.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for the family.
I am so very sorry. I loved Duane and his entire family. I apologize that I am out of town at work, otherwise I would be there for you all. You all have my heart❤️
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. May Duane RIP
Mary, sending my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know how much fun you and Duane had, and what a devoted wife you were. Duane precided over my divorce, I will never forget him walking off the bench and chatting with me and my ex. A first class act he was. You are in my prayers. Clare Weber
Dear Mary, Duane and Dave always had a great time kibitzing back and forth, but Dave never got the best of him. We enjoyed our meals and conversations together with you and Duane. Our sincere sympathy to you and the family for your loss.
Always will remember mornings at the Friendship Cafe when Duane would humor us all with his history stories of the Community, even if he told them more than once! A family friend, a fair Judge and an around good guy, glad to have known him for sure. My condolences and family’s prayers in your time of loss.
So sorry to hear about Duane the world lost a great man and heaven received another angel. Prayers for all grieving.
I remember Duane well. He graduated with my sister, Joanne; his brother, Bob, was in my class at A-F. When my mother’s tavern (Schatze’s) burned down, Duane bought the piece of land on US 13. Then he built his house out on the point at Big Roche Cri lake. Like the obit says, he had a “quick wit”. RIP, Duane!
To the family: My heart felt condolences. I knew Judge Polivka as a prosecutor while he was on the bench. I always thought he was fair and just. He had a wonderful laugh and a mischievous smile. I hold the memories of him with beautiful fondness and great respect! I cannot think of a more fine person I have ever known. I will cherish his humor and intellect from the bench. As I am now a Judge in Juneau County, I can only hope that I am half the judge Duane was. Again, sorry for your loss.
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember both of you coming to my wedding. And after that I would see yous from time to time. Duane was a wonderful man. He will be missed dearly by me and many others. God bless.
Mary.
My dear friend I am so sorry for your loss. May tender memories help get you through this Trying time.
My condolences to the family. Sending prayers.
To Duanes’ Families,.
Duane was a kind & very understanding person. Am so sorry
Sincere sympathy to Mary and family. Duane was liked by all and his presence will be missed. Romie and I were in school with Duane and the friendship endured.
Godspeed Duane!
Mary, Bob, Dalene and families,
I used to refer to Daune as my handsome cousin and he got quite a kick out of it.
He was definitely a people person. All though he was professional person he related very well to everyone in a friendly ordinary way. He was a very fun man and loved to gather with the Polivka’s and enjoy all their goofiness. My mother had a soft for Duane as he often took the time to visit her in her later years and remember the old days. My sympathy to his family and may God bless his memory.
Charlene
Mary
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. The road has been rough, I know. You have always handled everything with grace and a smile.
I have treasured your friendship throughout the years – way back to the early 1990s. I enjoyed my visit with you and Duane at the lake and your beautiful home. Duane and you were so well matched and made everyone feel special.
Such happy times and great memories – all our Friday lunches – commiserating & helping each other about the challenges we faced with our jobs. May God go with you in the days ahead. Love Ann Hazelwood
So sorry for your loss.
Mary it was a pleasure to know the “Judge” and to take care of him may he rest in peace and sorry for your loss
Mary and family, I am so very sorry to hear of Duane ‘s passing. Always, always a smile and a big hello. My mum’s husband Walter Manning Sr. , also sends his condolences. They grew up together and he told me so many stories of their youth . He considered him a very good friend He will be missed .
Maryland family, I am so very sorry to hear of Duane ‘s passing. Always, always a smile and a big hello. My mum’s husband Walter Manning Sr. , also sends his condolences. They grew up together and he told me so many stories of their youth . He considered him a very good friend He will be missed .
So very sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. Always remember his beautiful smile and quick comebacks and dancing with him many years ago. Bless him and his family.
So many memories of Duane and my Dad’s escapades came back to me as I read of Duane’s passing. I remember camping as young families, and all the shenanigans. My sister and I went too Florida with you and three other families as teenagers, more shenanigans. Later in life I remember wherever I ran into Duane and Mary, they always asked about my folks, just the kind of people you will always love…. good people❣️
Rick and I send our condolences to Mary and the Polivka family. We’ve known the Polivka family since my practice in Adams so many years ago. He will be remembered as a kind person who helped so many.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Mary, family and his many friends~ First, I would like to say we absolutely LOVE his picture! 😎 Duane was such a genuine person! You don’t meet many quite like him. He accomplished so much in his life time and always treated people with such kindness. This picture is such a visual of someone who had a job to do but could also have a good time! 😉 He never thought he was better than another and treated people as an equal. Just a genuine person!! 🥰
Oh, my heart breaks for you Mary. He loved you so much! ♥️ I remember y’all coming to our wedding back in ‘93. I see ya’ll were married 31 years. We will celebrate 31 on July 31st. I can see his beautiful smile and dancing with you. 😘 I enjoyed taking with y’all when I worked at the Golf Course in my 20’s about my Great Grandma Soldat (his dear Aunt). I’m guessing those sweet genes came from the Polivka side! 😉
I know that he lost his 2 sons and one so very young. To loose one child young and then another before us, has to be some of the greatest hurts ever!! Thank God Mary, he had you to go thru another deep loss of a child. 🙏✝️🙏
There are certain people that we meet in life and they forever leave an impression on our heart. ♥️ He was one and Mary, you made him a better person. The love that y’all had for each other radiated! 🥰 Not many are blessed with such a love! We never know who we will touch in this short time that we have here on earth but if we can all can strive to treat others the way we would want to be treated with kindness, love and respect; the world would be a better place!
Duane made it a better place! 😊
BIG HUGS~Curt & Michelle Pollex
There is a 🌟 star shining brighter with him there and his sons will show him the way around and all that left before us. 😇😇😇 Please know I wish I could make it with my Dad but will be there in spirit. He’s the old Duane again and he will be there for you again, Mary when God calls you home. For now we will celebrate a wonderful man that will be forever missed! ♥️
My sincere condolences to Mary and the rest of his family. He was a great friend, we will surely miss him.
A kind and generous man whom I was pleased to meet and happy to know. Rest in peace, Duane. You’ve earned it by the way you lived and loved life.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Mary and his family and friends. Duane was a wonderful man. We looked forward to our Monday night dinners in the summer. We’ll never forget the night that a young man met Duane in passing. Later that evening, the server presented Duane with a gift card. He touched the young man so deeply in their brief conversation. That’s how Duane was. Loved by so many. He will be missed but never forgotten . Darrell and Alpha
My sincere sympathy to all. Have known Duane since grade school. He will be missed.
Im sorry seems so inadequate for this profound loss. Duane was like a part of my family. He first was friends with my Dad. He was a pallbearer at his funeral. Then him and Mike became treasured friends. He even married Glenn and I at our home in front of the Christmas tree! It was a privilege to be considered one of his friends. Godspeed Duane. You will be missed forever.
Deepest sympathy to the entire Polivka family!
Ray and I are sending our condolences and prayers.
So Sorry for your families loss……
My condolences to the family.
So Sorry to hear of Duane’s passing. Mary and family, you are in our thoughts & prayers. Duane and Bill go way back to grade school and then to high school. Use to go fishing together. His life will never be forgotten. He was quite a distinquished person.
He would ask me, how old are you? I I told him, I’m 10 years young than you, but I’m trying to catch you,. He laughed everytime. That’s what I’ll miss. 😔
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. He was a testament to what hard work and commitment can achieve. He was a kind man and always had something positive to share. Mary and Family….Hugs and Prayers🙏🏼
So sorry for your loss.
So sorry to hear this!!! My deepest sympathy to all of you!!!! Keeping all of you in my prayers!!!!
Mary
Ken and I were sorry to hear of Duanes passing! He was such a nice man. I enjoyed seeing you both at County Market when I was working there in produce. He always stopped to say hi and talk with me! He will be sorely missed by all that knew him. Take care of yourself!
Ken and Beth
Duane was always so much fun to be around..hugs to you Mary❤️
Deepest Sympathy to you Mary and your family. ❤️
Mary and families, we are so sorry! Duane touched so many lives. He will not be forgotten. We are in AZ, so will not be at the funeral, but know that you are in our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace.
I’m so so sorry. Duane was so nice to me when I first started working at family affair in 1989. My thoughts are with you.
So sorry for your family’s loss..
So sorry on your loss. May God family and friends comfort you
Mary, Bob, & Family: My condolences. My friendship with Duane go back to the 1950s.