John R. O'Polka, dear dad, gregarious Grampy, caring companion, rascally brother, wily uncle, master millwright, cat rescuer, walleye wrangler, boisterous bowler, golfing great, and fun-loving friend, passed away in Traverse City, Michigan, on February 1, 2026, at the age of 77.

John was born July 31, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, the son of the late John L. O'Polka and Beatrice E. (Baker) O'Polka. In the summer of 1966, at Richie's Drive-In, John met his beloved sweetheart, Jackie O. They were married on April 29, 1967, and shared a devoted marriage until Jackie's passing, too soon, in 2017.

John and Jackie delighted in raising their young family, which included three little girls, their dog Brandy, their cat Mooshie, and a menagerie of animals routinely adopted into their home. John considered fishing a life skill and frequently outfitted his three daughters in life jackets before adventuring in his trusty 12-foot aluminum fishing boat on Lake Huron. There, unwitting walleye and perch were often ferried home and joyfully released into an awaiting bathtub for one final swim before meeting their fate on the dinner plate.

John worked on the railroads as a young man in Saginaw and later employed his mechanical talents at General Motors, where he served as a highly skilled millwright for more than 52 years alongside many hardworking, lifelong friends at Bay City Powertrain. A sensational conversationalist and teller of tales—some tall and fishy, many true—and a kindhearted prankster, John is remembered for his supersized sense of humor, his passion for life, and his love of the great outdoors. He especially cherished time spent in the Upper Peninsula (the U.P.), where he enjoyed many memorable (and occasionally mischievous) moments with his brother Joey, as well as relaxing on Long Lake in Traverse City with his loving family.

He delighted in watching nature's great stage play out and marveled at the antics of his corn-fed squirrels, white-tailed deer, birds of prey, twin hummingbird fledglings leaving the nest outside his window, and critters of all shapes and sizes—great and small.

John's grandchildren will never forget his masterfully mad chess skills, his great singing voice and love of Motown music, his enjoyment of military films and scary movies (roll Jaws, Jaws 2, and Jaws 3—but not Jaws 4), and his enormous love of animals, especially his beloved cats—survived by his sole feline companion, Fifi, age 23.

John is survived by his three daughters, Andrea (Andrew) Carolus, Johnna (Stephen) Spencer, and Sara (Alan) Duckmann. He will be fondly remembered as "Grampy" by his three adoring grandchildren, Alison Carolus, John Spencer, and Lucy Spencer. His memory also lives on in the hearts of many family members and friends (you know who you are!), including his loving companion, Connie Duncan; sisters Karen (Rick) Fuller and Kathy (Timothy) Smith; sister-in-law Geraldine Washabaugh; very special cousins; numerous nieces, nephews, colleagues; and many dear friends, including the wonderful staff and residents at The Villa at Traverse Point, as well as Steve and Carol Bradway.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his beloved wife, Jacqueline O'Polka; sisters Patricia (Roger) Smigiel and Joanne (Joe) Morrell; brothers Joseph (Sally) O'Polka and Edward O'Polka; and nephews Timothy Smith Jr., Ryan Smigiel, and Patrick Washabaugh.

Cremation has taken place in accordance with John's final wishes. A memorial service will be held Friday, March 27, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Redeemer Church, 402 W. 9th St., Traverse City, MI 49684.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are invited to consider memorial contributions to Redeemer Church ( www.RedeemerTC.org ), Cherryland Humane Society ( www.CherryLandHumane.org ), or a charity of your choice, in the spirit of loving John as your friend and neighbor, as Jesus first loved us.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos may be shared with the family online at www.Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com .