John Michael Polak, age 65, born December 29, 1959, lifelong resident of Chicago Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025 as his caring wife of 43 years held his hand, after several years of putting up a valiant fight against cancer. First diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2017, he got sepsis post operation, nearly losing his life. But with time, he was walking his woods, looking for birds and being grateful he survived. Within a few years, sarcoma returned. John fought hard for his life throughout the very painful treatments.

Loving Son of the late Stanley Polak and the late Eve Polak (née DeVol); Cherished Husband of Maegan Polak (née Williams); Loving Father of Justin Polak and Adrian Van Deursen; Fond brother of Christine Polak-Carroll, James(Nancy) Polak; Carolyn (Wally) Borner, Catherine (John) Hejmanowski, and Janine (Anthony)Booker, the late Steven(Myra) Polak and the late Peter (Carol) Polak and Adored Uncle and Great Uncle to many.

Shortly after graduating Bloom Township High School, John met Maegan, the love of his life and his best friend. They were wed on October 24,1981. On May 28, 1982 and March 15,1993 respectively, he and his wife welcomed his son and his daughter, who he cherished so deeply.John's children were his pride and joy, despite him joking for years about how “the DNA tests aren’t back yet.” John was a great dad and his children loved him fiercely. He was also a loving husband and an all around good man to his coworkers, treating everyone he met with equal respect. His compassion and kindness made him a beloved boss and a good friend to many. His quick wit and sense of humor, led to him always seeking the light in darkness and always looking for the good in people. An artist and musician, he wrote and illustrated a bedtime story for each of his children. Played viola and bass guitar and even drew hilarious personalized cards for family members for their birthday. He was an avid birdwatcher. John was also a lifelong Chicago Bears fan and had season tickets every year since the mid 1980s.  John will be dearly missed by all who were touched by him. He was a man who wanted people to celebrate his life and focus on the countless memories that have been made. His love and support by his 13 cats as he referred to them as his "therapy cats," did just that. John lived every day to the fullest, swiping Warren Zevon's "enjoy every sandwich" philosophy and making every effort to live up to the idea. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His wish was that there be a celebration of his life, with a small group of family and friends gathering together and remembering the good times. A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, April 27th from11:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. at Wampum Lake Forest Preserve, 598 Thornton Lansing Road, Thornton, Illinois at Grove #2 in remembrance of John . This was one of John's favorite places to visit.