Glenview Obituary: Philip Podulka

The following obituary is courtesy Donnellan Family Funeral Services.

Philip Podulka born September 20, 1923 passed away December 31, 2014. He grew up in Chicago and lived many years in Glenview, IL. He loved his family life with wife Fran of 57 years, and his four children Susanne (Peter) Kubik, Lisa (Chris) Schroeder, Karen (Brian) O’Sullivan and Jim Podulka. He was a proud grandfather of Melissa and Jon Podulka, Greg and Lynne Kubik, Kevin, Andrew and Maggie O’Sullivan, Tommy, Connor, and Kyle Schroeder. A loving and close brother to Gene Podulka and uncle of many nieces and nephews; predeceased by his parents John and Rose Podulka and siblings Sigmund Podulka, Josephine Japlon and Betty Young.

He served his country as a navigator on a B17 with the 8th Air Force, 34th Bomb Group, 7th Squadron, out of Mendelsham, England in WWII. He was awarded a Purple Heart and became a member of the Caterpillar Club after bailing out of a burning plane that just made it back to England. He was a WWII history buff with many personal stories to share.

After his service he attended Northwestern University and earned a Business Degree. While at Northwestern he became the first President of Men Off Campus,” MOC” a group organized to create social and sports opportunities for commuting students. The MOC group still lives on.

Phil spent many years in Finance and did not retire until he was 84. His sport was skiing, he much enjoyed travel, Chicago sports and going to the movies. He also enjoyed a good laugh and joking around with his many friends. He was a generous man, always ready to help where there was a need. He found much solace in his Catholic faith and his years as a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Glenview.

He will be dearly missed by his family and friends and remembered always for his love of life and laughter.

Visitation Tuesday, January 6, 2015 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077.

Funeral Mass Wednesday, January 7, 2015 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove St., Glenview, IL 60025.

Interment private All Saints Cemetery .

VISITATION

Tuesday January 6, 2015, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Donnellan Family Funeral Services, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, Illinois 60077

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FUNERAL MASS

Wednesday January 7, 2015, 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 1775 Grove Street at Church Street, Glenview, Illinois 60025

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PRIVATE INTERMENT

All Saints Cemetery & Mausoleum, 700 N. River Road , Des Plaines, Illinois 60016

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