Carl A. Polka

Carl A. Polka, 62, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, May 12, 2005, at Morning View Care Center in New Philadelphia.A son of the late Carl and Ruth J. (Carpenter) Polka, Carl was born December 30, 1942 in Dover.He was a 1960 graduate of New Philadelphia High School. He then graduated from Kent State University in 1967. Carl retired in 2003 as a school teacher from Sandy Valley Local School District after 33 years of service. He was also a basketball and track coach at Sandy Valley. During his career as a teacher, he loved being able to work with children.Carl enlisted with the United States Army on August 30, 1968 and served During the Vietnam War. During his service to his country, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.He attended the Holmes United Methodist Church and was a lifetime member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening but most of all, Carl loved to spend time with his grandchildren.He is survived by his loving wife Linda Kay (Breniser) Polka, whom he married on June 11, 1967 in New Philadelphia. Also surviving are one daughter, Tracey (Robert) Ward of New Philadelphia; one son, Thad (Julie) Polka; five grandchildren, Justin, Emma, Benjamin, Nicholas and Brooke; two brothers, Terry (Patty) Polka of New Philadelphia and Ted (Brenda) Polka of New Philadelphia; and many other family members and friends.Visitation will be Sunday, May 15, 2005, from 2 to 5p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia. Services will be conducted By Rev. Glen Shedlock on Monday, May 16, 2005 at 10:30a.m. in the Holmes United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Burial will be in the Holmes United Methodist Church Cemetery where the New Philadelphia V.F.W Post #1445 will conduct military honors.The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Carl A. Polka Memorial Fund c/o Indian Village Community Bank, 635 West High Avenue, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.