Vivian C. Polomcak
May 10th, 1932 - April 27th, 2024
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Vivian's Obituary
Vivian Caroline Polomcak, known to most as “Beebee”, from Decatur, MI, passed away on Saturday, April 27, 2024 after a short fight with breast cancer; just shy of her 92nd birthday. She was born to Theodore Stanek and Helen Stanek (Godisak) on May 10, 1932 in Decatur, MI.
Vivian was the first born and later became a big sister to Florence, James, and Charlotte. Vivian grew up on her family farm where they grew potatoes, celery, poppies, peppermint and raised milking cows. Vivan often helped sell vegetables in South Haven with her dad. She attended Lawton High School and worked at various businesses until she married George Polomcak on November 3, 1951, at the young age of 19.
After marrying, Vivian started working for Aero-Motive Manufacturing where she worked as a purchaser and on the switch board. She was the best dressed and often had fancy dresses and high heels on. When not working, Vivian enjoyed watching her husband play in his band, The Alley Cats. She was always there to support him. Some of their favorite activities together were dancing, camping in Silver Lake, playing Euchre, and cooking. George “Papa”, always knew how to spoil Vivian and would surprise her with shoes often – not tennis shoes – but high heels!!
A short three years after getting married, George and Vivian welcomed Victoria Ann Firnstahl (Michael) on June 9, 1954 and then two years later, Victoria became a big sister to Theodore John Polomcak (Claudia) on September 16, 1956. Together as a family, they enjoyed going to the family farm in Decatur, traveling to Florida, camping, going to the VFW, and watching George play in his band. Beebee loved music just as much as George and would play her accordion frequently. Many weekends were spent at her parents’ house in Decatur where the family gathered EVERY Sunday for a “Baba Day.” Vivian was very close with her immediate family and extended cousins. Being as Vivian, and her brother and sister were always together…where there was one sibling, the rest were close behind.
The family grew once again when Victoria and Michael welcomed the first grandchild to the family. Dr. Ryan Michael Firnstahl (Tonia) was born on December 30, 1977. Vivian absolutely loved being a grandmother, however, she thought she was much too young to be called grandma. She insisted Ryan call her “ViVi” but, the only thing Ryan could get out was “BeeBee.” This was the beginning of Vivian’s new nick name. Victoria and Michael welcomed baby girl Kara Michelle Firnstahl (Dino) on April 3, 1979. This was an exciting day as it was also George’s birthday. Victoria named her Kara because she was “in care of George and Vivian.”
Vivian hosted many sleepovers, tea parties, and candle lit dinners with her two grandchildren and loved cooking their favorite meals and spending time with them. She would make every occasion a special one with wine glasses and sparking grape juice. The nights were finished off with luscious bubble baths and snuggles. Beebee was the definition of fancy!
Unfortunately, in 1983, Vivian experienced a tragic loss when George passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, after being married for 32 wonderful years. Vivian was heartbroken, but had so much support from her family. She leaned on her children and grandchildren during this difficult time, but still remained very independent. She later retired from Aero – Motive Manufacturing in 1985 after 30 years of service. During her retirement she enjoyed going to the flea market, garage sales, avidly walking, traveling back and forth to Florida, reading her Nicholas Sparks books, and playing cards.
Vivian’s loneliness ended when she met Bill Kimble in 1985. During this time when Vivian was just starting to once again live life, she opened her home to her daughter, son-in-law and two teenagers while they built their home next door. Let’s just say that BeeBee was so patient during this time!
Vivian and Bill shared a love for golfing, dancing, and spending time as snow birds in Homosassa, Florida during the winter. During her time in Florida, you would find BeeBee and Bill gambling with Aunt Louise, having gin and tonics at the VFW or taking a couple swings at the golf course with family and friends. They would travel back to Michigan during the summers and often stayed in their humble trailer at Michael and Victoria’s home. This was about the time she decided to sell her home in Paw Paw and officially share her time between Homosassa, Florida and Michigan. Vivian offered her home to family and her son decided it was time to move from Kalamazoo to Paw Paw, making Victoria and Ted new neighbors.
Vivian’s family once again grew larger when her son, Theodore welcomed his first child with Claudia. Stephanie Marie Polomcak was born August 13, 1987. Theodore John Polomcak II was later born on December 28, 1991.
Now that Vivian and Bill were officially in Florida most of the year, she spent a great deal of time with her special nieces, Lora Stanek Wilson (Marco) and Tina Brann (Bobby). They often invited Vivian to family dinners and visited each other frequently. Beebee was like another grandmother to their children as well. She spent so much time with her nieces that she eventually worked for a short time with Lora in her law office, Lora Wilson Law. Beebee and Bill spent about 20 years splitting their time between Florida and Michigan.
BeeBee’s favorite things were the color purple, lavender, playing cards, camping, reading Nicholas Sparks, watching western movies, walking, going to garage sales, antiquing, flea markets, golfing, cooking and dancing. A lot of dancing! Her brother Jim would often be a part of the dancing! During Christmastime, BeeBee and her son-in-law, Michael would make over a hundred perogies for the family to eat.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Theodore and Helen Stanek (Godisak); her husband, George Polomcak; her significant other, William Kimble; her brother, James Stanek; her sisters, Florence Hunt, and Charlotte Adams; her brother- in- law, Elvin Adams; and her favorite kitty, Smeagle. BeeBee’s brother- in-law, John, and sister-in-law, Linda maintained a relationship after her siblings passed away.
Victoria Ann Firnstahl, Michael Firnstahl, Theodore John Polomcak, and Claudia Polomcak will miss their mother greatly. The last few years, Beebee lived in walking distance from them and would see them every day. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Dr. Ryan Firnstahl (Tonia), Kara Zampetis (Dino), Stephanie Polomcak (Christian Annable), and TJ Polomcak. Vivian’s great grandchildren will also feel the void that has been left, including Alex Firnstahl, Carlye Firnstahl, Jacob Firnstahl, Aiden Polomcak, Lauren Firnstahl, Anna Zampetis, Evelyn Polomcak, Melina Zampetis, Elizabeth Annable, Ryane Firnstahl, and Kai Annable.
Vivian was very close to extended family. She had a special bond with her nieces, Lora Stanek Wilson (Marco), Tina Gennarro Brann (Bobby), Toni Fountain (Greg), and Pamela Sikkema (Todd). She was also close with her late husband, George’s family. They were a special part of her life and she always kept in touch after George’s death. Her second kitty, Sy, will dearly miss his early morning brushes and feedings from Vivian.
Vivian was surrounded by so much love at the end of her journey. She had many, many visitors stopping in to show her how much they loved her. Lora and Tina made special trips from Florida to visit and spend time with her. Special memories were made during “Baba days” where the family would gather together and share dinner and laughs. Everyone was always invited whether you were a close relative or distant cousin.
There will be a luncheon to celebration Vivian’s life on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Decatur VFW beginning at 3:00 pm. Your presence is welcome at a small graveside service beginning at 2:30pm at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur, prior to the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Centrica/Hospice of Kalamazoo, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or the VFW Post 6248 Women’s Auxiliary, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045
Vivian was the first born and later became a big sister to Florence, James, and Charlotte. Vivian grew up on her family farm where they grew potatoes, celery, poppies, peppermint and raised milking cows. Vivan often helped sell vegetables in South Haven with her dad. She attended Lawton High School and worked at various businesses until she married George Polomcak on November 3, 1951, at the young age of 19.
After marrying, Vivian started working for Aero-Motive Manufacturing where she worked as a purchaser and on the switch board. She was the best dressed and often had fancy dresses and high heels on. When not working, Vivian enjoyed watching her husband play in his band, The Alley Cats. She was always there to support him. Some of their favorite activities together were dancing, camping in Silver Lake, playing Euchre, and cooking. George “Papa”, always knew how to spoil Vivian and would surprise her with shoes often – not tennis shoes – but high heels!!
A short three years after getting married, George and Vivian welcomed Victoria Ann Firnstahl (Michael) on June 9, 1954 and then two years later, Victoria became a big sister to Theodore John Polomcak (Claudia) on September 16, 1956. Together as a family, they enjoyed going to the family farm in Decatur, traveling to Florida, camping, going to the VFW, and watching George play in his band. Beebee loved music just as much as George and would play her accordion frequently. Many weekends were spent at her parents’ house in Decatur where the family gathered EVERY Sunday for a “Baba Day.” Vivian was very close with her immediate family and extended cousins. Being as Vivian, and her brother and sister were always together…where there was one sibling, the rest were close behind.
The family grew once again when Victoria and Michael welcomed the first grandchild to the family. Dr. Ryan Michael Firnstahl (Tonia) was born on December 30, 1977. Vivian absolutely loved being a grandmother, however, she thought she was much too young to be called grandma. She insisted Ryan call her “ViVi” but, the only thing Ryan could get out was “BeeBee.” This was the beginning of Vivian’s new nick name. Victoria and Michael welcomed baby girl Kara Michelle Firnstahl (Dino) on April 3, 1979. This was an exciting day as it was also George’s birthday. Victoria named her Kara because she was “in care of George and Vivian.”
Vivian hosted many sleepovers, tea parties, and candle lit dinners with her two grandchildren and loved cooking their favorite meals and spending time with them. She would make every occasion a special one with wine glasses and sparking grape juice. The nights were finished off with luscious bubble baths and snuggles. Beebee was the definition of fancy!
Unfortunately, in 1983, Vivian experienced a tragic loss when George passed away unexpectedly in his sleep, after being married for 32 wonderful years. Vivian was heartbroken, but had so much support from her family. She leaned on her children and grandchildren during this difficult time, but still remained very independent. She later retired from Aero – Motive Manufacturing in 1985 after 30 years of service. During her retirement she enjoyed going to the flea market, garage sales, avidly walking, traveling back and forth to Florida, reading her Nicholas Sparks books, and playing cards.
Vivian’s loneliness ended when she met Bill Kimble in 1985. During this time when Vivian was just starting to once again live life, she opened her home to her daughter, son-in-law and two teenagers while they built their home next door. Let’s just say that BeeBee was so patient during this time!
Vivian and Bill shared a love for golfing, dancing, and spending time as snow birds in Homosassa, Florida during the winter. During her time in Florida, you would find BeeBee and Bill gambling with Aunt Louise, having gin and tonics at the VFW or taking a couple swings at the golf course with family and friends. They would travel back to Michigan during the summers and often stayed in their humble trailer at Michael and Victoria’s home. This was about the time she decided to sell her home in Paw Paw and officially share her time between Homosassa, Florida and Michigan. Vivian offered her home to family and her son decided it was time to move from Kalamazoo to Paw Paw, making Victoria and Ted new neighbors.
Vivian’s family once again grew larger when her son, Theodore welcomed his first child with Claudia. Stephanie Marie Polomcak was born August 13, 1987. Theodore John Polomcak II was later born on December 28, 1991.
Now that Vivian and Bill were officially in Florida most of the year, she spent a great deal of time with her special nieces, Lora Stanek Wilson (Marco) and Tina Brann (Bobby). They often invited Vivian to family dinners and visited each other frequently. Beebee was like another grandmother to their children as well. She spent so much time with her nieces that she eventually worked for a short time with Lora in her law office, Lora Wilson Law. Beebee and Bill spent about 20 years splitting their time between Florida and Michigan.
BeeBee’s favorite things were the color purple, lavender, playing cards, camping, reading Nicholas Sparks, watching western movies, walking, going to garage sales, antiquing, flea markets, golfing, cooking and dancing. A lot of dancing! Her brother Jim would often be a part of the dancing! During Christmastime, BeeBee and her son-in-law, Michael would make over a hundred perogies for the family to eat.
She was proceeded in death by her parents, Theodore and Helen Stanek (Godisak); her husband, George Polomcak; her significant other, William Kimble; her brother, James Stanek; her sisters, Florence Hunt, and Charlotte Adams; her brother- in- law, Elvin Adams; and her favorite kitty, Smeagle. BeeBee’s brother- in-law, John, and sister-in-law, Linda maintained a relationship after her siblings passed away.
Victoria Ann Firnstahl, Michael Firnstahl, Theodore John Polomcak, and Claudia Polomcak will miss their mother greatly. The last few years, Beebee lived in walking distance from them and would see them every day. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Dr. Ryan Firnstahl (Tonia), Kara Zampetis (Dino), Stephanie Polomcak (Christian Annable), and TJ Polomcak. Vivian’s great grandchildren will also feel the void that has been left, including Alex Firnstahl, Carlye Firnstahl, Jacob Firnstahl, Aiden Polomcak, Lauren Firnstahl, Anna Zampetis, Evelyn Polomcak, Melina Zampetis, Elizabeth Annable, Ryane Firnstahl, and Kai Annable.
Vivian was very close to extended family. She had a special bond with her nieces, Lora Stanek Wilson (Marco), Tina Gennarro Brann (Bobby), Toni Fountain (Greg), and Pamela Sikkema (Todd). She was also close with her late husband, George’s family. They were a special part of her life and she always kept in touch after George’s death. Her second kitty, Sy, will dearly miss his early morning brushes and feedings from Vivian.
Vivian was surrounded by so much love at the end of her journey. She had many, many visitors stopping in to show her how much they loved her. Lora and Tina made special trips from Florida to visit and spend time with her. Special memories were made during “Baba days” where the family would gather together and share dinner and laughs. Everyone was always invited whether you were a close relative or distant cousin.
There will be a luncheon to celebration Vivian’s life on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Decatur VFW beginning at 3:00 pm. Your presence is welcome at a small graveside service beginning at 2:30pm at Lakeside Cemetery, Decatur, prior to the luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Centrica/Hospice of Kalamazoo, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or the VFW Post 6248 Women’s Auxiliary, 560 N. Phelps St., Decatur, MI 49045
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