John Podlesak

John J. Podlesak, the youngest of three sons of Frank and Anna (Kubik) Podlesak, was born Sept. 17, 1925 at Otho, and left this life Jan. 12, at the Greene County Medical Center Long Term Care Facility in Jefferson. He attained the age of 89 years old.

John attended Otho High School and when he was a senior, he was drafted into the Army. He was a machine gunner at the Battle of the Bulge and Ardennes Forest Campaign. After his discharge in 1946, John received his high school diploma from Otho High School.

On May 27, 1950, John Podlesak was united in marriage to Katherine Kemmer at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church in Pocahontas. Four children were born to this union; Steven, John, Mary Ann and Carol. The family lived in Pocahontas and moved to Jefferson in 1958. From 1962 to 1965, they lived in Aurora, Colo. John spent most of his life in the car business and upon returning to Jefferson he opened his own dealership, Podlesak Motors. John retired in 1987 and then after Katherine retired,  they spent the next 19 winters in Arizona. John was an avid golfer and was a long time member of the Greene County Golf and Country Club. He also enjoyed gardening. John suffered a stroke in Jan. of 2010 and became a resident of the Greene County Long Term Care facility.

John was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson and a former member of the Jefferson V.F.W. and Elks Lodge.

John is survived my his wife, Katherine, three children; John Podlesak and his wife, Sue, Mary Ann Wright and her husband, Lyle and Carol Delp, all of Jefferson, five grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren with another one expected in June. He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Steven in 1994 and two brothers.

Mass of the Christian burial was held at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 15, from St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jeff Schleisman officiating. Burial was made in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Jefferson. Full military rites were conducted at the cemetery. A Vigil for the deceased service was held at 5:00 p.m. Jan. 14, at the Brown Funeral Home in Jefferson.

Serving as casket bearers were Nick Podlesak, Brad Podlesak, Michael Wright, Ronnie Wright, Trevor Ross and Mark Walsh.