Arthur "Art" Joe Polak, 94, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died Wednesday, March 21st, 2012, at Linden Court in North Platte, Nebraska.

Arthur Joe Polak was born February 11th, 1918, to Frank and Mary (Skucius) Polak at Munden, Kansas, where he attended school and farmed until he was inducted into the United States Army in February 1941. He married Lucille Moravek on May 10th, 1941, while training in Little Rock, Arkansas. He also was stationed at San Luis Obispo, Burbank, Riverside and Pasadena, California, Camp Hood, Texas and Camp Polk, Louisiana. He served with the 127th FA Battalion, which later was converted, to the 635th Tank Destroyer Battalion. After further training in England, his unit landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day and saw action in every major campaign of the European Theater during World War II. After being honorably discharged, he attended school at Milford, Nebraska and then owned and operated a refrigeration and electrical contracting business in Superior, Nebraska, where his children were born. In 1957, the family moved to Gothenburg, where Art and Lucille owned and operated retail businesses until their retirement in 1981.

Art was involved in civic affairs, serving on the Gothenburg Zoning and Planning Commission for 10 years, active in the Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Gothenburg Improvement Corporation and a member of the American Legion Post #64.

During retirement, Art's love for travel took him and Lucille on trips all over North America and throughout Europe. They were winter residents in Yuma, Arizona, for 14 years, participating in many activities and attending various classes at Arizona Western College. They returned to Gothenburg in 1995, where they lived until 2010 when they moved to Linden Court in North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Archie; brothers, Rudolph and Ernest and sister, Elsie.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Lucille; daughter, Debi (Burnell) Steinmeyer of North Platte; son, Harold of Alma, Nebraska; grandchildren, DJ and Bre Steinmeyer and Abbi Polak and a great -grandson, Cyrus Jordan.

Cremation was chosen at Art's request.

Graveside services were held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, March 26th, 2012, at 11:30 a.m., with Larry Viter officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Improvement Company, Gothenburg Fire Department or donor's choice.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.