Thomas Polek

Thomas Edward “Tom” Polek, 86, of Lewiston, died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in Lewiston.

Born to Paul and Marie Polek on July 23, 1940, in Milwaukee. He married Margaret Mary McCann on Jan. 16, 1966. Together with their five children, the couple moved from Wauwatosa, Wis., to the Lewiston Orchards in 1978.

From an early age, Tom understood the value of work. As a teenager in Milwaukee, he sold peanuts at the baseball stadium, an experience that became part of the many stories he carried through life. He later joked that he held a “Ph. D. from Marquette University,” casually mentioning that it stood for “post-hole digger”; a line that reflected the extraordinary sense of humor for which he was known. Tom worked in construction and union ironwork in Wisconsin before taking his skills farther afield. His career included ironwork at Hanford and on Lewiston’s Southway Bridge. In time, he retired from the Lewiston Orchards Irrigation District. In 1989, he also started Centennial Fence Company, adding another chapter to a lifetime of determined and steady labor.

Tom also served his country in the United States Army. He was on active duty in the 101st Airborne, Charlie Company, and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He served in the reserves for six additional years.

He enjoyed big game and bird hunting, fishing with family, and cherished memories of boyhood time on Okauchee Lake. Tom also collected Western memorabilia, reflecting his distinct personal style. During past holiday seasons, Tom and his wife, Marge, brought joy to many by appearing as Santa and Mrs. Claus for local groups, malls and their grandchildren. Above all, he delighted in watching his many grandchildren grow and was rarely without his constant companion, his toy poodle Tootsie.

Tom attended Granite Lake Church, an important part of his later years and community in Lewiston. During retirement years and before being limited by his health, his community also included various local veterans and he was a frequent visitor to the Idaho State Veterans Home.

Tom’s vibrant personality, humor and unmistakable voice brought laughter and lightheartedness to every situation. Defined by hard work, service and memorable stories, his singular spirit and lifelong dedication will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his sisters, Joan Chelminiak, of Oconomowoc, Wis., and Kristine Christ, of Janesville, Wis.; his children, Todd (Amy) Polek, of Lewiston, Tracy (Robb) Hart, of Lakeland, Fla., “Tommy” Tom Polek, of Deary (Charlene, of Moscow), Tanya (Mike) Owens of Lewiston, and Travis (Letha) Polek, of Theon, Wash.; his grandchildren, Rachael Branchick, Brittany (James) Hart, Austin (Ariana) Polek, Charae (Lukas) Runyon, Ashley (Anthony) Spagnuolo, LaShae (Mike) Bane, Brooke (Micah) Glassman, Presley (Brooke) Hart, Hunter Owens, Tori Purrington, Myranda Roberts and Brandon Brown; and his great-grandchildren, Gracie, Conner, Alexis, Landon, Trey, Brendan, Jettson, Kini, Teagan, Theo, Taitum, Lucas, David, Everhett, Maverick, Walker, Lochlan, Cody, Kaijsa, Railynn, Hudson and Waylon. He is also remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.

The family extends special thanks to Pastor Bill Hayne and the ladies of Granite Lake Church and to the emergency medical team members who attended to Tom with such care at the time of his death.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Monday, Sept. 14, at CrossPoint Alliance Church, 1330 Powers Ave., Lewiston. The family welcomes you to join them for a light meal afterwards, please feel invited to bring a side dish. A graveside service will take place at 3:30 p.m., at Lewis-Clark Memorial Gardens, 3521 Seventh St., Lewiston.