John Robert Pollack, 66, of La Crosse passed away peacefully Friday, March 31, 2017, in the comfort of his cherished home.

John was born Dec. 11, 1950, in Benson, Minn., to John Augustine Pollack and Mary Jane (Wrobleski) Pollack. He married Bernice Rose Olson Dec. 17, 1988, at Saint Joseph, the Workman Cathedral in La Crosse.

John was raised in Milwaukee, Wis. He attended Milwaukee Washington High School. As he entered his freshman year there he was introduced to the sport of gymnastics, which would serve as the seed to his legacy in the sport.

 In the fall of 1969, John moved to La Crosse to attend the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to pursue a degree in education. There he continued his dedication to men’s gymnastics as he competed with the collegiate team throughout his years at La Crosse State (as it was known at the time).

Upon graduating in 1975, John completed his teacher certification to instruct elementary education, pre-kindergarten to 12th grade health education and a 7-12th grade English.

In the spring of 1975, John’s teaching advisor spoke the following words about his young, budding teacher, “He has an excellent attitude toward teaching. He cooperates and is well-liked by other teachers. He also has a good sense of humor, which one needs to keep up their spirits.”

John dedicated his educational career to Onalaska Middle School from 1975 until his retirement in 2007. Amidst his commitment to the Onalaska School District he received his Masters degree in professional development from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (1992) to further himself as an educator.

For those who attended Onalaska Middle School, you might remember a project that John fathered called Project Me. It was an 8th grade health project where students created a journal of their entire life; highlighting features spanning from the earliest parts of life to hopes and dreams of the future. Project Me was a much anticipated activity for all 8th graders, and would eventually become a keepsake for many of his students.

His impact reached far beyond the classroom as he also left a positive and powerful impression with his coaching and coordination of gymnastics programs within the La Crosse region. He was the head coach of Central High School’s girls gymnastics team from 1975 to 2005. It was during this time that he accomplished one of his greatest coaching achievements; the 1984 WIAA State Championship title. He then continued as the program director of La Crosse’s youth gymnastics held in Wittich Hall at UW-L from 1984 to 1997. It was here that kids received hands on development skills from John’s staff to promote their physical abilities and self confidence.

For his committed efforts toward this sport of gymnastics, John was inducted into the Wisconsin Gymnastics Hall of Fame in May of 2005. He was quoted in responding to this prestigious award, “You don’t look for it. If it happens, great…”

In his retirement, John volunteered at Mayo Clinic Health System, Franciscan Healthcare from 2008 to 2016. As an escort in patient registration, his fellow staff members observed the many pleasant encounters he had with patients and their families, helping them to alleviate their anxieties for whatever procedure they were going to have that day.

At the bottom of John’s personal stationary, the following words have been noted in bold print. “The secret to wisdom is kindness.” John certainly had attained this secret in the way he lived his life. So many people who were fortunate enough to know him benefited from his wisdom and kindness.

Thank you, John Robert Pollack (teacher, coach, brother, father, husband and friend).

John is survived by his loving family, wife, Bernice Olson-Pollack; son, Harrison; and daughter, Hannah Pollack; sisters, Ruth Pollack, Joyce Pollack and Patricia (Pollack) Kegel; nephews, Chad and Eric Kegel; and grand-niece, Zoe Kegel. John is also remembered by a wealth of cousins, in-laws, along with many nieces and nephews from his marriage to Bernice.

John is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Gloria Pollack.

Thank you to the oncology and hospice staff from Gundersen who cared for John on his journey with cancer.

Thank you to friends and family who supported and prayed for John.

A private memorial service for family members will be held in John’s home.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. April 23 at the Radisson Center, for extended family and friends. Please contact Bernice if you would like to submit a brief story about how John made a positive impact on your life. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Please arrive early. bernice.r.pollack@gmail.com.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

John is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Gloria Pollack.

Thank you to the oncology and hospice staff from Gundersen who cared for John on his journey with cancer.

Thank you to friends and family who supported and prayed for John.

A private memorial service for family members will be held in John’s home.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. April 23 at the Radisson Center, for extended family and friends. Please contact Bernice if you would like to submit a brief story about how John made a positive impact on your life. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. Please arrive early. bernice.r.pollack@gmail.com.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.