Viola “Vi” Polk, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Born on Dec. 3, 1929, on the Masin family farm near Ord, she was the fifth of six children of Frank L. and Emma (Rejda) Masin. Her childhood on the farm – rooted in family bonds, hard work, and rich Czech traditions – nurtured the warmth, generosity, and strong family values that defined her life.
Vi attended Valley Country School and graduated from Ord High School in 1947. After high school, she worked for the Law Offices of Davis & Vogeltanz for two years before moving to Lincoln, where she was employed as a secretary at Highway Equipment & Supply.
She met the love of her life, Thomas Leo “Lee” Polk, when they stood up as Best Man and Maid of Honor in a wedding in Raymond. At the time, Lee was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was home on leave from Camp Pendleton. Their connection grew, and three years later, Vi moved to Long Beach, California, where she worked as a secretary for Douglas Aircraft. Vi and Lee were married June 20, 1953, in Long Beach, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted nearly 65 years. The couple eventually settled in Waverly, where they raised their three children: Teresa, Thomas, and Jennifer.
Once her children were in school, Vi worked as an assistant librarian at Waverly Schools for 23 years. A longtime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lincoln, she was active in parish life. She volunteered in various capacities and supported her children through years of Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Vi lived a life rich with curiosity and creativity. She was known to ask thoughtful questions – always eager to learn something new. She loved music; cherished both history and family stories; wrote poetry; sewed clothing and household items; and sent countless cards and notes that touched many lives. She enjoyed word searches, reading, and making everyone around her feel special.
Vi adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, attending their events, babysitting, and celebrating their milestones. Vi and Lee enjoyed traveling – road trips, bus tours, and cruises – and she especially loved visiting small-town churches. Family traditions such as boating, camping, fishing, Shrimp Fest, neighborhood watermelon feeds, sauerkraut, and her famous pumpkin pie are fondly remembered.
During her years at Tabitha Cove House, she became affectionately known as “Vi Vi” and was deeply loved by staff and residents. She and her friend, Pat, were affectionately known as “Thelma & Louise,” bringing joy wherever they went. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Tabitha Cove House staff and residents, the Tabitha Hospice staff, and to the many family members who visited Vi and helped her thrive.
Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Lee; daughter, Teresa “Terri” Helm; son, Thomas Francis Polk; grandson, Robert Kevin Helm; her parents; and all of her siblings.
She is survived by daughter, Jennifer (Paul) Valenta and daughter-in-law, Deanna Bennett Polk; Kevin and Jackie Helm; grandchildren, Matt Helm, Courtney Polk Kennedy (Colton), Danielle Polk (James Wernimont), and Spencer Polk (Lindsey); great-grandchildren, Maren Mae Polk, Adrian Kennedy, and Corinne Polk; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 21, at St Patrick Catholic Church, 6111 Morrill Ave, Lincoln. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Butherus Maser and Love Funeral Home, 4040 A St, Lincoln.
Memorial contributions are suggested to St Patrick Catholic Church or Moving Vets Forward.
Vi will be remembered as the beloved matriarch of her family, whose faith, kindness, humor, love, and smile made every person feel valued. Her legacy will continue in the generations she guided, loved, and inspired.
Arrangements by Butherus, Maser and Love Funeral Home.
