Paul Joseph Polaczyk

Polaczyk Paul Joseph Polaczyk, age 8. Born January 15, 1995; Died peacefully at home on February 5, 2003 after a brave battle with a rare neuromuscular disease. Preceded in death by grandfather and namesake, Paul Mrachek. Paul will be dearly missed by loving and grateful parents, Joseph and Jeanne Polaczyk; brother, Nicholas; grandparents, Gary & Mary Polaczyk and Dorothy Mrachek; great-grandmother, Bernice Dick, and numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. He will be remembered for his angelic and peaceful nature and for his beautiful inner spirit. Although he never spoke a word in his eight years with us, he filled volumes with what he taught us about life and about God's love for His people. During our journey with Paul, our family was blessed to work with the most wonderful health care professionals. We would especially like to thank Dr's. Gail Brottman, Stephen Smith, Bernard Borkon, Stanley Leonard, Stephen Janousek, Mark Gormley, Kathryn Green, and the staff of the Children's Hospital Hospice program for their compassionate service and expertise. Along this journey, Paul was blessed to have many teachers and therapists who worked very hard and lovingly to help Paul be the best he could be. We would especially like to thank the staff of ISD # 196 special education department and the staff of Fraser School in Richfield, MN. Our family is grateful for the Dakota County Developmental Disabilities Program, and especially for the support and compassion of Rhonda Myrmel. We are also grateful for the care given to our family by Paul's PCA's and our friends - Dawn, Kari, Laura, Katie, Jane and Lori. These people and programs enabled our family to live as normal a life as possible throughout Paul's lifelong illness. A Mass celebrating Paul's life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2003 at the Catholic Community of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 South Robert Trail, Eagan, MN. (on Hwy 3 between Diffley & Cliff Rds.) with a reviewal 1 hour prior to the Mass. A Visitation service will be held at the Church on Friday, February 7th from 5-8 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm. As our family has been so deeply touched by the services and generosity of so many, we humbly request that memorials be directed to Make-a-Wish Minnesota and Gillette Children's Specialty Health Care (St. Paul, MN). KAPALA-GLODEK (612) 378-1331

Published on February 7, 2003