Dorothy Podolak

Dorothy Marie Podolak, lifetime resident of Atlantic passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Heritage House. She was 90. Dorothy was the daughter of Edward George Pont and Sarah Nevada Hancock Pont. She was born November 6, 1918 on her parents" farm near Atlantic. She attended Country School in Bear Grove Township and graduated in 1936 from Atlantic High School. She was also active in 4-H while growing up.Dorothy spent more than 30 years teaching, starting in a one-room country school, then Pymosa Elementary, Jackson Elementary and Washington Elementary schools. Teaching was an enormous source of pride for Dorothy. Until the day she died, she told stories about her former students, many of who would still stop her on the street and thank her. On January 12th, 1946, Dorothy was married to Joseph Raymond Podolak. In 1947, they had their first child, Edward Joseph and just 15 months later, another boy, Charles Lee. In 1952, Dorothy gave birth to a baby girl, Betty Jean. Dorothy and Joe lived on a farm just outside Atlantic. All three kids attended Atlantic Senior High School.Dorothy and Joe were avid supporters of the Atlantic Trojans and University of Iowa. For nearly 40 years, beginning in the late 1960s, when Ed and Charley both played football for the Hawkeyes, they drove from Atlantic to Iowa City on Saturdays to cheer on the team. Before every game Dorothy served up piping hot bowls of "Mother Podolak"s Chili,&" while Joe entertained Hawkeye fans in the Kinnick Stadium parking lot. They spent time traveling to Kansas City while Ed was playing football with the Chiefs. They also took countless trips to Seattle to visit Betty, and to Colorado to see their granddaughters graduate from high school and to celebrate Christmas in the Rockies.Dorothy enjoyed socializing and playing cards with the ladies. She was also an active member and one-time president of the Does. She also enjoyed dancing and golfing at Nishna Hills Golf Club. When she was home, you could find her in her flower garden next to Joe. Later in life, she would read to him, listen to the radio, or just look out the picture window to see who was coming up the drive. Dorothy was an active member of the Methodist Church all her life. As it became more difficult for her to get around, Dorothy still made it a goal to get to church as often as possible. She spoke often of the Lord, of his blessings and of her future place beside Him in heaven. She is there now, beside her Creator and with her husband of 62 years, Joe, who passed away last March. She is survived by sons; Edward and wife, Vicki; Charles and wife, Liza; daughter, Betty Ward and husband, Larry; and four granddaughters, Emily, Laura, Zara and Geneva. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Lucille Kobza and Wilma Podolak. Funeral InformationOpen visitation daily at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, Iowa from 8:00 - 9:00 with a family visitation at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic on Monday evening, September 14, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Services for Dorothy will be Tuesday morning, September 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Lanette Plambeck officiating. Interment will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.In Remembrance Dorothy Marie (Pont) PodolakBorn November 6, 1918 in Atlantic, IowaEntered Into RestFriday, September 11, 2009At the Age of 90 years, 10 months and 5 daysFuneral Service10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 15, 2009First United Methodist Church ~ Atlantic, IowaOfficiating Pastor Lanette Plambeck MusiciansPastor Gary and Marlene DeGeestMusical Selections"When We All Get To Heaven&""I"ll Fly Away&""Precious Lord&"Casket BearersEd Podolak Charley Podolak Gail Casey Bob Stein Pastor Gary DeGeest Jack Rudnay Honorary BearersRaymond Becker David Hancock Gene Pont Flower CommitteeCarole Schuler Pam Cord Kris Wernimont Lois CaseyCommittal ServiceAtlantic Cemetery Atlantic, Iowa For area church and cemetery directions, please click here:Church DirectionsCemetery Directions