Mark Polovina (1955-2017)

“When you’ve seen beyond yourself then you may find
Peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come when you see we’re all one
And life flows on within you and without you”
-Within You and Without You
The Beatles

For Mark Polovina life was like an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. As he sat back and watched the insane plot unfolding in front of him, he would throw in a smart and bitingly funny comment that you couldn’t help but laugh at and feel better. Mark, 61, passed away on May 8, of cancer. He was known by his family and friends for his intelligence, passion, and sense of humor.

Mark is survived by his wife Cathy (Mason) Polovina whom he loved passionately and their time together was far too short. He delighted in his daughter Zoë (Polovina) Berumen and his grandchildren Sophia, Max, and newborn Ophelia. Mark is also survived by twin brother Pat Polovina and sister Cheryl Peltz. He is preceded in death by his parents Nicholas Polovina and Patricia (Parker) Polovina.

Mark’s passion for knowledge and reading made the Kenosha Public Library a perfect place to work. During his illness he was overwhelmed by the generosity and well wishes of his coworkers; they meant so much to him. Over the years, Mark had also worked at the Municipal Golf Course where he enjoyed being out in nature, and at Dicken’s Books. His jobs were never about the money; they were about the people he met, the friends he made, the things he learned, and the knowledge he passed along.

Mark graduated from Mary D. Bradford (back in the days when it was downtown) and went on to attend UW-Parkside. In his twenties, he went to England by himself just to experience new things, visit historic sites, and because he loved to learn. Mark played guitar and wrote music, and occasionally played in bands with his brother Pat. He enjoyed a glass of wine, trivia competitions, music, excellent books, good (and bad) movies, and especially great conversation.

He will be missed by family, friends, and coworkers alike:
“Every conversation was a chance to learn and laugh. The world was a much better place with you here.” “He was an incredibly intelligent, witty and unique individual.” “Even in poor health and facing a grim future, the dude still made me laugh, ponder and reflect.” “Mark was an enlightened soul and his sense of humor was always spot on.” “He taught me all I know about generosity, class, and sharp dry wit.” “They broke the mold: nobody awed me as much when being silly as when being deadly serious. Mark was 300 years ahead of his time, and his vast conscious vision was only bested by his sense of humor about it all.” “He was our role model of subversion. And seriously, one of the funniest dudes ever.”

Plans to celebrate Mark’s life will soon be posted on his and Cathy’s Facebook page. Join us in raising a glass to his life and his incredible spirit.

From Cathy and The Kinks:
“Thank you for days, those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I’m thinking of the days, I won’t forget a single day, believe me.”