Ludwig
Polniak

LUDWIG POLNIAK was born in Camden. New Jersey on April 11, 1919 to Leon and Rose Polniak. 

Ludwig Polniak's parents were both from the region of Poland known as Galicia, his father being born in a town called Lipskos in 1888. After coming to America in June of 1913, he worked at different jobs in Camden, with the intent of eventually owning his own store. When he registered for the draft in June of 1917, Leon Polniak was working at the Young & Metcher bag factory at South 6th and Mechanic Streets. Leon and Rose Polniak and their son Theodore then lived at 1267 Morton Street. By January of 1920 Ludwig Polniak had been born. The family was now living at 1338 Whitman Avenue, the corner of Whitman Avenue and Pershing Street. Leon Polniak was working at a shipyard, while Rose Polniak handled the two young boys AND kept a grocery, according to the 1920 Census record.

The 1924 Camden City Directory shows the family living and operating a grocery at 1048 Louis Street, between Mount Vernon and Chestnut Street. Leon Polniak was finally able to devote his full attention to the family business. The Polniaks remained at this address into the 1930s. By the 1940s they had moved once again, to 1527 Norris Street, where Leon Polniak operated Leon's Grocery as late as 1947. 

Older brother Theodore Polniak enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February of 1936. Ludwig Polniak had completed two years of high school and was working as a truck driver when he was called to serve in the United States Army in February of 1942. He served with the 8th and 9th Air Force during World War II. 

After the war both brothers returned to Camden. Theodore Polniak went to work for the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Line railroad and moved to Pfeiffer street in East Camden. Ludwig Polniak first returned to his parents home on Norris Street. On December 30, 1950 he became a member of the Camden Fire Department. His wife, the former Blanche Deschin, was the cousin of Edward G. Glaze, who also joined the fire department around this time.

Ludwig Polniak served over 25 years, retiring in 1976. Plagued with heart and lung trouble in his later years, he passed away in Camden on November 12, 2002, survived by his wife, brother, nephews and neices.

POLNIAK, LUDWIG
Age 83 of Pennsauken, NJ, died Tuesday, November 12, 2002, in Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden, NJ.
Born in Camden, NJ, Mr. Polniak was a retired firefighter with the City of Camden Fire Department. He had 25 years of service retiring in 1976. He was also a WWII Veteran serving with the 8th and 9th Air Force in the European Theater.
He is survived by his wife Blanche M. (nee Deschin), one brother Theodore Polniak of Berlin, two nephews Robert (Diane) Polniak of Barrington and David Polniak of Mannington Twp, NJ, one niece Eileen (William) Jerome of Bellmawr, four great nieces and nephews and five great great nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass Saturday 10:00AM in St. Stephen's Church, 6300 Browning Road, Pennsauken, NJ. Visitation 9:00-10:00AM in church. Entombment Calvary Chapel Mausoleum. The Family requests in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Mrs. Blanche Polniak, wife of Ludwig Polniak, was a retired Camden fire fighter. Photo taken on Saturday, September 9, 2006 at the dedication of the Camden Firemen's Memorial  at Fire Headquarters, Third and Federal Streets, Camden NJ. Camden fire fighter Richie Tate is standing behind her, wearing a blue shirt.