David Polaschek, 86

Funeral services for David A. Polaschek, 86, a longtime resident of East Moline, IL were held on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Moline, IL.  Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in East Moline where the East Moline American Legion Post 227 conducted military honors.

Dave died Friday, Feb. 6, 2009, at Heartland Health Care, Moline.

Dave was born Nov. 22, 1922, in Tracy, MN, the son of John and Mary Polaschek.  He achieved the rank of captain in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.  He was  a bombardier in Operation Tidal Wave which holds the distinction of being the most heavily decorated military action in U.S. history.  Dave received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal.

He married Barbara VandeVoorde on Sept. 9, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church, East Moline.  Barb died Aug. 6, 2007.

He retired as a purchaser from John Deere Harvester, East Moline.  He had served on the parish council at St. Mary’s.  Dave enjoyed a good cup of coffee and conversation.

Survivors include his children and spouses, Mary and Voris Davis, Birmingham, Ala., Mike, Davenport, Joseph and Elizabeth, Davenport, and Mark and Dr. Karla, East Moline; grandchildren, Amy, Patrick, Jack, David and Michael; brother and sister-in-law, Vince and Mary Jo Polachek, East Moline; sister, Pauline Marks, Tracy.

Online condolences  may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com.  Memorials may be made to Alleman High School or Quad City Right to Life.  The Van Hoe Funeral Home of East Moline handled the arrangements.