John S. Polasek, 77, Vicksburg, passed away March 23, 2026. John was born in Plainwell August 27, 1948, the son of Joseph and Vita (Mancuso) Polasek. He graduated from Plainwell High School in 1966, where he was active in sports. John completed a three-year highway technology program at Ferris State University, a civil engineering degree in 1972 from MSU and began his 38 year career at the Michigan Department of Transportation. In recognition of his service, his name was placed on the Galesburg Rest Area. He was also an adjunct professor at WMU. He married Lisbeth “Liz” Hopkins on April 6, 1974, at MSU’s Alumni Chapel and together they raised three children. Vicksburg Athletic Boosters, the St. Martin of Tours parish council and Knights of Columbus, the Vicksburg Historic Village, the Timber Framers Guild of North America, and the Vicksburg Lions Club all benefited from his compassion and service. He supported MSU and followed the Detroit Lions and Tigers. John and Liz loved visiting and supporting their family as well as traveling the world, visiting five continents together. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe, who died in Vietnam in 1969. John is survived by his wife; children Katie (Greg Bassett) Polasek of Holland, Joe (Chandra) Polasek of Portland, and Anna (Jesse) Harrington of Taylor; and grandchildren Isaac, Teddy, Sam, Josephine, Evelyn, James, and Lucas. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Raye) Polasek of Paw Paw, and several nieces and nephews. Visit his page at amsfuneralhomes.com. Donations may go to Vicksburg Lions Club, Vicksburg Historical Society, Vicksburg Athletic Boosters, or St. Vincent DePaul Society.
