2019
Joseph Podnar was called home by his Lord and Savior, on Wednesday, June 5, 2019. He was born in Granite City, Illinois, on March 2, 1925, lived in Madison, Illinois for 43 years and retired in Baton Rouge, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Walter Podnar and Anna (Mainridge) Podnar; daughter, Mary Stevenson; son-in-law, Alan Stevenson; granddaughter, Julianna Podnar; sister, Theresa Dorn; and by his brother-in-law, Henry Dorn. Joe is survived by his wife of 71 years, Anna (Dutko) Podnar, two sons, Joseph (Eva) Podnar of Camano Island, WA, and Mark (Christine) Podnar of Baton Rouge, LA; his sister, Violet Podnar; eight grandchildren, Erin Stevenson, Kelly (Julie) Stevenson, Kerry Stevenson, Nicole (James) Fleetwood, Neil (Dennetta) Podnar, Rachel (Gerard) Satterlee, Michael (Amanda) Podnar, Sarah Podnar; four great granddaughters, Trinity and Anastasia Stevenson, Abigail Podnar and Aubry Satterlee. Joe served 12 years in the US Navy as a bomber pilot. He flew missions during the Korean Conflict and received numerous decorations and letters of commendation for valor in combat. Upon retirement from the service, Joe worked for the Dow Company in St. Louis in their Metal’s Division and later as a salesman in agricultural chemicals. Over his career, Joe lived in Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and finally settled in Louisiana, where he retired after 32 years with Dow. Joe was a man of many interests. One of his primary joys in life was his garden and his greenhouse. He especially enjoyed raising roses – a love, I believe, he inherited from his father. His all-time favorite meal was a seafood enchilada and a frozen margarita at Casa La Vida’s. He was a skilled carpenter, liked reading, discussing politics and watching college football on Saturdays. Most of all, Joe loved spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the staff of Amber Terrace and The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their exceptional and compassionate care. Graveside service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation honoring Joe to The Hospice of Baton Rouge, 3600 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70806. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Joseph Podnar, please visit our Tribute Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Joseph Podnar 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Glen Carbon, state: Illinois