Michael "Jack" A. Policha's Obituary
Michael A. “Jack” Policha, 70, of Clinton, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026, at MercyOne–Clinton.
Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Clinton Chapel of Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting his obituary at https://www.snellzornig.com.
Michael Andrew Policha was born December 30, 1955, in Muskegon, Michigan, to Ronald and Mary (Harp) Policha raised by Ronald and stepmother Carolyn. He was a 1974 graduate of Reeths-Puffer High School in Muskegon, Michigan. Shortly after graduating high school, he served in the United States Army. Following his military service, Jack moved to the area to work on the railroad, where he met his longtime wife, Kathleen Ugarph. Jack and Kathy were married on July 25, 1981.
Jack worked for many years in union construction and later as a teacher of carpentry skills at the East Moline Correctional Facility. Alongside his full-time work, he proudly operated his own construction company, Country Construction, completing many side jobs throughout the years. He recently retired from his hardworking career as the Lead Carpenter at Dixon Correctional Center. He had a passion for coaching and mentoring youth, coaching baseball and soccer and founding a youth soccer program in Clinton known as The Kicks. A true animal lover, he also enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the beach in Michigan and Florida or relaxing by his pool.
Above all else, Jack was a devoted family man and an exceptional father to his three children. Being present for his family was his greatest priority, and he took immense pride in supporting them in all they did. He was a proud and dedicated grandfather to five grandchildren, rarely missing a game, or event, always cheering them on from the sidelines. One of his most treasured traditions was the annual family trip to Michigan, a highlight of every year that he eagerly anticipated and deeply cherished.
Jack is survived by his wife, Kathy Policha of Clinton; his children: Brianne (Theodore) Schultz of Colchester, Illinois, Lindsay Policha of San Antonio, Texas, and Spencer (Jennifer) Policha of Bettendorf; grandchildren: Graham and Brinley Schultz and Whitney, Maximus, and Jade Policha; siblings: Rhonda Smith of Tucson, Arizona, and Richard Policha of Muskegon, Michigan; and Kathy’s siblings: Susan (Jeff) Wamsley of Clinton, Sandra (Curt) Vath of Clinton, Thomas (Cindy) Ugarph of Clinton, David Ugarph of Clinton, and Robert (Michelle) Ugarph of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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