John C. Podolak

John C. Podolak, 51, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, November 28, 2004, at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Fr. Rob Johansen officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home where the rosary will be recited at 6:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to Michigan Diabetes Association or Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. John was born January 16, 1953 in St. Joseph to Clem & Henrietta (Krigelski) Podolak. John graduated from Lake Michigan Catholic High School, and received as associates degree from Lake Michigan College. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. On September 8, 1975 he married the former Linda Fortaliza in the Philipines. John was a tool and die maker for over 30 years, first with New Products, then most recently with State Tool & Die in Benton Harbor. John was a member of VFW Post 1137 in Benton Harbor. He was and avid hunter & fisherman. John had a great sense of humor, he loved to make everyone laugh. John is survived by his wife Linda; three daughters-Carol (Dirrick) Sirianni of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Melissa (Jimmy) Phelan of Durham, NC; Kathy Podolak of Chicago; and two grandchildren-Kylie Tyler & Shemus Phelan. He was preceded in death by his parents.