Leona Polyak

Leona Joyce Bochek Polyak, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on July 28, 2026, at the age of 85. 

A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, from 4:00- 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Funeral services will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Vienna, SD on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.  A light reception at the church to follow the burial for continued fellowship. 

She was born on March 21, 1941, in Hazel, SD. She was the beloved daughter of Otto and Edith Bochek. Her life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and unwavering love, which she shared with all who knew her. 

Leona’s early years were spent on the family farm outside of Hazel, SD. She graduated from Hazel High School and later earned a degree in education at Sioux Falls College. 

On April 28, 1961, Leona married her high-school sweetheart, Thomas Polyak. Together they built a beautiful life for their three children. Tom and Leona shared 35 years together until his passing. 

Leona was the proud mother of three children: Kellie, Jeff, and Bryan. She adored her family and was a devoted grandmother to five grandchildren and a great-grandmother to four great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy. She cherished every moment with them. 

Her siblings, Phyllis Froke, Marilyn Hauenstein, and Dallas Bochek held a special place in her heart. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews, who will always remember her warmth and kindness. Her dear friends, Jon and Cindy Groen were considered family. Their friendship was a cherished aspect of her life. 

Leona worked at the Augustana College library for several years. She was a proud member of the local DAR organization, the Red Hat Society, and Zion Lutheran Church. 

She enjoyed gardening, traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends. She had an easy-going nature and an infectious smile that endeared her to everyone she met. Her kindness and generosity touched countless lives. 

Leona was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Jay, and her husband Thomas Joseph. She is survived by her children, Kellie Spenst and Bryan (Diane) Polyak, 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 siblings, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

Leona’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sanford Hospice for their dedicated support and care during her journey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in her memory. 

As we mourn the loss of Leona, we also celebrate a life well-lived, marked by love, compassion, and enduring strength. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and her memory will be cherished forever.

Arrangements are entrusted to Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel of Watertown and Heritage Funeral Home of Sioux Falls.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leona Polyak, please visit our floral store.