Joe Podolak

JOSEPH "JOE&" PODOLAKJoseph Raymond Podolak died in Atlantic, IA on Friday, March 28, 2008, he was 91.Joe was known for his love of life, his dedication to family and friends, and his bear hugs. He was happiest in his recliner, staring out the picture window of the pink house on 10th St., with his wife of 62 years beside him. He would clap his hands, yell "yah who" and scrunch up his nose, until you couldn't help but smile. He was an ornery old fogey. Joe was born on Nov. 3, 1916 in Dwight, Nebraska to Josef John Podolak and Josephine (Hraban) Podolak. As a young man, he helped his parents on the farm and attended country school.In 1940, Joe moved to Iowa to work as a farm hand. One day, he went to fix something at a nearby schoolhouse where Dorothy Pont, a young red-headed teacher, caught his eye. They fell in love, but before they could marry, Joe was called to service in the Army's 19th Infantry, 24th Division. From 1941-1945, Joe fought in World War II in the South Pacific, earning a Purple Heart and a Presidential Citation for his Division's service on Layte Island in the Philippines. In 1945, Joe sent a telegram telling Dorothy he was coming home. Joe said, "I didn't know for sure if she had waited for me, but I kind of thought she might." She did, and they were married on January 12, 1946.In 1947, they had their first baby, a boy, Edward Joseph. Just 15 months later, another boy, Charles Lee. Finally, in 1952, they had a baby girl, Betty Jean.Joe and Dorothy settled on a farm just outside Atlantic. All three kids attended Atlantic Senior High School where Joe rarely missed a chance to cheer on Ed and Charley in football, basketball and track.Joe blended his love for family and sports over the next decade, as both Ed and Charley played football for the University of Iowa and Ed went on to play nine years for the Kansas City Chiefs. Joe and Dorothy would drive the three hours to Iowa City and set up their camper near Kinnick Stadium. Joe chatted with the Iowa faithful as Dorothy dished out her famous chili. Long after their kids graduated and Ed retired from football, Joe and Dorothy continued to travel to Iowa City for the Hawkeyes' home games and cheered on the Chiefs on Sundays.Every Monday night you could find Joe at the Elks lodge in Atlantic. He would go there to have a few bourbons with the guys and catch up on the latest talk around town. He enjoyed the camaraderie and conversation.Joe worked 20 years for the state highway commission keeping the roads open in the winter and repairing them in the summer. But, his real joy was working the land. He worked the fields as a young boy on the farm in Nebraska and later in life, when he could farm no longer, he filled the void by toiling in his yard and flower garden until they looked just right.Joe was cherished by his family. He was a caring, supportive father; a playful, gentle grandfather; and a loyal, honest husband. He will be missed more than words can express, but we promise to continue his legacy by celebrating every day as much as he did. Joe is survived by his wife, Dorothy; two sons, Ed Podolak and wife Vicki; Charles Podolak and wife Liza; a daughter, Betty Ward and husband Larry; granddaughters, Emily Podolak, Laura Podolak, Zara Podolak and Geneva Podolak; and his sister Lucille Kobza of Lincoln, Nebraska.Funeral InformationVisitation will be open at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic until Monday afternoon until 3:00, March 31, then the Podolak family will meet with friends at First United Methodist Church from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. The funeral service will be held in the church on Tuesday morning at 10:30 and Pastor Gary DeGeest will officiate. A military committal will be in the Atlantic Cemetery following the funeral. The family invites friends to join them for a luncheon in the Methodist Church Fellowship Hall after the interment.The family has requested memorials may be designated to the "First United Methodist Church Shut in Program."Roland Funeral Home is caring for Joe"s family and the arrangements. Guest book condolences may sent to the Podolak family at www.rolandfuneralservice.comIN LOVING MEMORY OFJoe PodolakBorn November 3, 1916ENTERED INTO RESTFriday, March 28, 2008At the age of 91 years, 4 months and 25 days SERVICETuesday, April 1, 2008 at 10:30 AMFirst United Methodist Church ~ Atlantic, IAOFFICIATINGPastor Gary DeGeestMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Amazing Grace&""One Day at a Time:"How Great Thou Art&"SINGERRandall BreckerbaumerORGANISTMarlene DeGeestCASKET BEARERS Emily Podolak Laura Podolak Vicki Podolak Ed Podolak Charley Podolak Gail CaseyHONORARY CASKET BEARERS David Hancock Jack Waggoner Raymond Becker Jim Kenefic Bob Boots Larry Nisson Max Bates Gene Pont Howard Justice Mac McCormick Bob Bladt FLOWER COMMITTEE Jack & Helen Gearhart Bob & Pam Cord Al & Kris Wernimont Dorothy Bates Carol Schuler Linda Marek Lois Casey Madonna Nisson INTERMENTAtlantic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, IowaAtlantic Color Guard Military HonorsLUNCHEONJoe"s family would like friends to join them for a luncheonat the church fellowship hall following the services.