Bob F. Polivka

Bob F. Polivka, 63, Rockford, died at 9:22 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008 in his home.  Born July 14, 1945 in Chicago, son of Charles and Mary Krug Polivka.  Graduated from Bogan High School in Chicago in 1963 and from the University of Illinois with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.  Married Susan G. Stolar in Chicago on July 13, 1968 and moved to Rockford to work for Sundstrand Corp. Member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.  In 1971 he founded the Golf Shack where he was owner and president since that time. In 2000, he established the current Rockford Golf Shack location on Bell School Road which includes the familys restaurant, Garretts Cafa©, Grill and Drink.  He was a founding member of the National Golf Buyers Association (Golf Headquarters)  where he served on several boards and was president for many years.  He was also a member of the National Sporting Goods Association.  Bob was on the Board of Directors of Rockford Health Systems from 1985 until 1999 where he served in many capacities including Chairman of the Board from 1991 until 1994.  He was a long time member of Rockford Country Club and a proud member of the Rockford YMCA.  He especially valued the time he spent at the family lake home in Minocqua, WI.   Survivors include his wife, Sue; son, Todd (Michelle) Polivka, Roscoe; daughter Lauren Polivka, Washington, D.C.; twin sister, Bonnie (Milo) Popovic, Prospect Heights; brother, Charles Barry (Sandra) Polivka, Tucson, AZ, and his mother, Mary Polivka, Arlington Heights. Also survived by nieces and nephew, Kristin (Kevin) Eilers, Brenda (Jorge) Rios and Gabriel Popovic; 2 great nieces and a great nephew; mother-in-law, Eleanore Stolar and aunt by marriage, Florence Gundlach.  Predeceased by his father, father-in-law and son, Bradley S. Polivka.   A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, September 15, 2008 in Our Saviors Lutheran Church with Rev. Lee Laaveg and Rev. Dr. Loren Nielsen co- officiating. Visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service at the church on Monday.  Burial in Scandinavian Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bob F. Polivka Memorial Fund for a memorial to be designated at a later date.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.  Arrangements were completed by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd.