Henry &Quot;Hank&Quot; Podraza

Henry died Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in Columbus following a brief illness.

Henry was born on May 13, 1931 in Polk County to Mike and Adelaide (Valasek) Podraza. He attended rural schools in Polk County and graduated from Kramer High School in Columbus (1949). He served in the army during the Korean War, from 1952 - 1954. He married Mary Ann Iwan on May 18, 1955 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Krakow near Genoa, NE. Together they farmed south of Columbus, NE until 1959, when they moved into Columbus. He worked at Becton-Dickinson from 1959 until he retired in 1989. He was a charter member of St. Isidore Catholic Church and the Holy Name Society. He was a past usher and Parish Council member at St. Isidore, and a member of the American Legion Hartman Post 84 and V.F.W. Post 3704.

He enjoyed his family, friends, yard, gardening, watching the wildlife on the farm, Nebraska football, and making new friends with all the people he met.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann; one daughter and son-in-law, Louise (LuAnn) and Robert Moritz of Columbus, NE; one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Kenneth and Melody Podraza of Richmond, VA. Grandchildren: Brian and Rebekah Moritz of Omaha, NE; Bruce and Lisa Moritz of Omaha, NE; Adam and Sarah Podraza of Concord, NH; and Amy Podraza of Richmond, VA. Great Grandchildren: Henry L. and Hayden C. Moritz; Zachary M. and Riley J. Podraza. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom and Mary Lou Podraza of Columbus, NE; Dick and Delores Podraza of Omaha, NE; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law John & Virginia Iwan of Fullerton, NE, and many nieces and nephews. Henry is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Anna Marie, and brother and sister-in-law Mike Jr. and Lorraine Podraza.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Isidore Catholic Church stain-glass window fund or to the charity of your choice. May the love of God be with you and your families.