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Michael “Mike” Rayfield Polasek, of Coy City, Texas, passed away on July 12, 2026, at the age of 90.
Mike was born on March 9, 1936, in Coy City, Texas, to Alice and Tom Polasek. Except for the two years he served in the United States Army after being drafted, Mike lived his entire life in the Coy City area, where he built a life centered on family and friends, a strong work ethic, and a deep love for the land.
In May 1958, Mike married the love of his life, Ruby Lee Retzloff. Together they shared 68 years of marriage and raised two children, Deborah Anne Polasek, born in 1959, and Laddie Luis Polasek (deceased, born in 1962).
After completing his military service, Mike worked in the oil fields. Years later, that experience proved valuable during the oil and gas boom in Karnes County. Fascinated by how much the industry had changed over the years, he kept a close eye on the activity surrounding his property, making sure oil and gas companies honored their lease agreements and respected his land.
Mike’s greatest passion, however, was the outdoors and the land he loved so dearly. After his time in the oil fields, he devoted himself to learning everything he could about farming and ranching. Farming and ranching were more than a livelihood—they were his passion and his calling. He was happiest in a field, whether preparing the soil, planting, fertilizing, harvesting, or simply checking on a crop. Mike found purpose and satisfaction in every season of the farming cycle.
In addition to farming and ranching his own land, Mike operated a custom farming business, providing planting, harvesting, and hay baling services for area farmers. He took pride in doing the job right, and his strong work ethic earned him a reputation for dependable, quality work.
In his younger years, Mike enjoyed hunting. It was while hunting raccoons with his father-in-law that he first met Ruby, and later spent many seasons hunting deer. As wild hogs became a threat to his crops, he turned his attention to hunting them as well. Mike also loved freshwater fishing in his own tank and those of neighboring landowners, but he never cared much for fishing on the coast, preferring to avoid the saltwater, humidity, and what he called that “sticky” feeling.
Mike never met a stranger and always made time to visit with friends, neighbors, family, and those he had just met. He was always ready with a story, a joke, or a little good-natured teasing. He enjoyed the friendly competition of card games, dominoes, and tournaments and treasured every opportunity to spend time with the people he cared about.
A gifted mechanic and natural problem solver, Mike could repair just about anything—from household appliances and automobiles to pickup trucks and farm equipment. He was known for his intelligence, resourcefulness, honesty, and determination. Although he could be stubborn at times, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.
One of Mike’s favorite hobbies was restoring antique engines. He enjoyed attending antique engine and tractor shows, especially those in Indiana and Nebraska. To him, the trips up and back were just as much fun as the shows themselves because he was in the company of those who shared his passion. At the shows, he proudly displayedengines he and his brothers had restored. He enjoyed explaining their history and how they worked to anyone who stopped to visit.
Mike had a special affection for his dogs, and they adored him just as much. Together they looked forward to their daily evening rides, with the dogs happily riding in the bed of his pickup as he made his rounds checking on his properties. They were just as eager to join him on trips around town or to meet his friends for morning coffee or breakfast. Those breakfast outings were their favorite, because Mike often treated them to breakfast tacos. He took just as much pleasure in watching his dogs enjoy their tacos as they did in eating them.
Mike also had a great affection for naps. Whenever he needed a little extra energy, he had a remarkable ability to fit in a short nap just anywhere he could. His ability to catch a quick nap almost anywhere became a running joke among family and friends.
Mike found happiness in the simple things—a good crop, a well-running tractor, a cup of coffee with friends, a loyal dog riding in the back of his pickup, and time spent with the people he loved. Those who knew him will remember a man who worked hard, laughed often, and always made time for others.
Mike was preceded in death by his son, Laddie Luis Polasek. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Lee Polasek, daughter, Deborah Anne Polasek, extended family members, friends, and neighbors who will cherish his memory.
The family is grateful for the many expressions of love and support during this difficult time as they celebrate the life of a man who will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Visitation will be held Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 9AM with a Holy Rosary to be recited at 9:30AM followes by Funeral Services at 10AM in the Eckols Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in the New Bremen outside of Karnes City,TX.
Serving as Pallbearers:Thomas(Mike)Polasek, Josh T. Polasek, Hilmar Cowey, Jim Salge, Richard Swierc, Charlie Brzozowski.
Honorary Pallbearers: David Ryan and Robert Retzloff.
