Elmer Junior Polk

Elmer Junior Polk, 75 of Grand Rapids, Michigan passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family.  Born February 4, 1947, in Caruthersville, Missouri, he was the son of the late Jim and Lucille (Leek) Polk.  Joining the United States Army in 1966, Elmer served his country and was honorably discharged in 1969. He met his first wife Janice while stationed in New York and they married in 1967, they had their 1st daughter in 1980 and the 2nd in 1982 .  After the service, he went to Holmes bible college in South Carolina and became a ordained minister and maintained that status with the Church of God for most of his life.  He gave his heart to the Lord and was saved at the age of 16 years old and  the faith he had in the Lord grew from there and God remained the center of his life until the very end. He later worked for the Life Savers Company where he retired after 15 years.  Spending time traveling, sight-seeing and taking his family on vacation was one of Elmer’s favorite activities.  He loved seeing different sites and meeting new people along the way.  In his spare time, he also enjoyed going out to eat, cooking and trying new recipes, he loved  reading  and studying the Torah, either alone and with friends, he loved spending time and going out on the town with his dear best friend Louie Bueno and enjoyed spending hours chatting on the phone with a few  special people that meant A lot  to him, Wesley Polk, Doug Polk, Louie Bueno, and Mary Murray. He also loved watching  WWE wrestling as well as the other ones and going to wrestling matches. Even though Elmer and his wife divorced after 23 years of marriage they were lucky enough to remain friends and raise their daughters in a warm and loving environment.  Wonderful memories were made throughout his life, and the time spent with his family was the most special.  He loved his daughters and grandson dearly and they always knew they came first in his life. 

Elmer is survived by his two daughters, Opal Polk, and Frances Polk; his grandson, Anthony Timmer; his sister, Mary Dodson, ex-wife Janice Riggio and his nephews, John Polk, Douglas Polk and sister-in-law Becky Polk and dear friend Louie Bueno.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers,  Jimmy Polk, and Lloyd Polk. 

Friends may meet with the family at Chappell Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at which time the funeral service will begin.  The burial will take place in Lee Cemetery, Lee Township in Pullman, Michigan.  The family would like to thank Faith Hospice for their compassion and care during Elmer’s final days.

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