Ernie Podhajsky

ERNIE PODHAJSKY

Traer

Ernie Podhajsky, 80, of Traer, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from leukemia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. Interment will follow at

St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in rural Clutier. Visitation will be held Monday, June 4,

2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, with a rosary at 6:45 p.m.

Ernest was born on Nov. 7, 1937, on the family farm in Traer, Iowa, the son of James and Sylvia (Chalupnik) Podhajsky.

He attended Traer High School and graduated with the Class of 1956. Ernie attended Drake University for two years and then was in the Armed Services for two years. He came home and started farming on the family farm, and was still farming and living there at the time of his death. The farm is a century farm - it has been

in the family for more than 100 years.

On June 22, 1974, he was united in marriage to Lillian Mrzena at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in rural Clutier, Iowa. They met at a dance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ernie was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Traer. He was a director on the Grundy County REC board for 17 years, which he really enjoyed, retiring in 2013. Ernie enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing and spending time with family and friends, especially the "crew" from Chelsea.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Lillian of Traer; one brother, Lawerance (Karen) of Traer; one sister, Marilyn (Bill) Weil of Golden, Colo.; cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents and an infant brother.

Memorials may be directed to the family or a memorial of your choice.

"You will be greatly missed, honey." -Love, Lil

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.

kruse-phillips.com.