Johnnie Polka

Johnnie Edward Polka, 84, of Brenham, husband of Anna Merle Simpson Polka passed away July 15, 2008 at Trinity Medical Center. Mr. Polka was born February 17, 1924 in Houston, Texas to Stanley and Frances Ann Sicinski Polka. He was educated in area schools and attended college for two years. He married Anna Merle Simpson on July 8, 1950 in All Saints Catholic Church in Houston. He was employed as a telephone installer for Southwestern Bell. He served in the U.S. Navy. Johnnie was a member of St. Mary''s Catholic Church of Brenham, the Knights of Columbus, CWA, and the Veterans of Foreign War. Survivors include his wife, Anna Merle Polka; daughters Dianne Gray and husband Jim of Dallas; Annette Rothman and husband Andrew of Morrison, CO., Karen Piercy and husband Louis of Houston, and Charlotte Flanagan and husband Steven of Kailua, Hawaii; grandchildren Erin Hicks, Nicholas Gray, Luke Flanagan, Jonathan Flanagan, Catherine Flanagan, Justin Gray, Renee Piercy, Garrett Piercy, and Stephanie Piercy; and a sister-in-law, Lavelle Polka of Austin, brother-in-law Earl Simpson, sister-in-law Joan Simpson, as well as numerous other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Alvin Polka, and one sister, Frances Vlasek. Funeral services for Johnnie Edward Polka will be held Friday, July 18, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary''s Catholic Church of Brenham, with Fr. David Ivey, officiant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. A Rosary will be held at Memorial Oaks Chapel Thursday evening at 7:00 p.m., with visitation from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. Serving as pallbearers are Justin Gray, Nick Gray, Jonathan Flanagan, Garrett Piercy, Andy Rothman and Louis Piercy. Memorials may be directed to St. Mary''s Catholic Church Pipe Organ Fund, or to a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham.