Ernest Alois Polak was born on March 1, 1944, in Seward, Nebraska to Alois and Carrie (Vrbka) Polak and passed away on January 30, 2022, in Seward, Nebraska at the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 29 days.

Ernie grew up on the family farm south of Ulysses. He attended Seward High School and graduated with the Class of 1962. He began working at Hughes Brothers, Inc. and continued for many years. Ernie then worked at Wish-Nebraska, Inc. in Ulysses for several years. He enjoyed coaching men's softball from 1969-1990 and women's softball from 1984-2007. Ernie also umpired for Ulysses teams from 1967-1982. In 1994, Ernie was inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame.

Ernie loved listening to polka music. He enjoyed trips to South Dakota, Missouri, and Texas taking members of his extended family with him. He also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Huskers and cheering on family at their sporting and school events. Ernie loved his sister, Louise Polacek and her husband, Leonard and all of his nieces and nephews. He was very generous to them, and their family was his family. Ernie was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and two great great-nephews.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his sister, Louise and husband, Leonard Polacek, Sr., Elkhorn, NE; nieces and nephews, Leonard Jr. and wife, Lisa Polacek, Pottsville, AR, Steve and wife, Peggy Polacek, Edina, MN, Lori and husband, Kent Lee, Albion, NE, Julie and husband, Rolley Bennett, Omaha, NE; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews; three great great-nieces, and many close friends. To this obituary we add our thoughts, prayers and memories of a life shared with Ernie.