Larry Frank Podsednik, age 68, of West passed away early Thursday morning, April 20, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving wife and three beautiful daughters. A Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet will be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek and Rev. Anthony Odiong as co-celebrants, assisted by Rev. Vincent Chacko, Rev. Paul Hudson, Rev. Uche Obikwelu, Rev. Boniface Onjefu, and Deacon Ronnie Sykora. Graveside Services will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in West. Larry was born December 8, 1948 in Palestine, the son of Frank and Willie Mae (Klimitchek) Podsednik. He was a 1967 graduate of LaVega High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Baylor University in 1972. Larry married the love of his life, Kathy Marek, on November 11, 1972 in Penelope. After graduation, Larry began his business career with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and was with the company for over 38 years before retiring in 2010. He held numerous leadership positions within the organization and was the recipient of the Presidents Award; a prestigious honor that recognizes the individual for the highest level of sales achievement. Larry was recognized for many outstanding accomplishments, including earning an award given annually for exceeding quota attainment above 100% of production goals; of which he incredibly achieved for more than 30 consecutive years. In honor of his record-breaking sales performance, the company renamed the annual achievement award the "Larry Podsednik 100%er Award." Although always humble in his career achievements, Larry was extremely respected, serving as a mentor and friend to many of his colleagues. Each would say, that above any professional success, Larry loved his family and his Savior foremost. Larry was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, Gift Bearer, and Lector. Larry was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2305, where he served as Faithful Navigator of the Monsignor George Doskocil Assembly 2391, and was a Grand Knight of the 4th Degree. Larry served his community as a member of the West ACTS Team, which he loved dearly, and volunteered with the annual Starburst Youth Golf Tournament for many years. He was an Associate Director of the annual Westfest Festival and was honored to serve as an Ambassador for the Czech Republics Sister City to the town of West Kunovice, CZ. Larry took joy in golfing, sporting events, mowing his yard, and going on religious pilgrimages, including a beloved trip to the Holy Land. He loved traveling the world, from Hawaii to Ireland, to Rome, Costa Rica and Alaska, spending time with his family and dear friends experiencing the beauty, culture, food and wineries of the world brought him much joy. Larry greatly enjoyed working at Slovaceks once he retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield. Above all, he was most proud of his family, and loved just simply spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law, and his adored grandchildren. Larry is preceded in death by his father, Frank Podsednik, and his father-in-law, Edmund F. Marek. Survivors include his cherished wife of 44 years, Kathy Podsednik of West; his daughters, Rachel Regan and husband Tom of Houston, Robyn Wollas and husband Dr. Joseph of Franklin, TN and Rebecca Podsednik of Washington, D.C.; his mother, Willie Mae Podsednik, his mother-in-law, Estelle Marek; his grandchildren, Wynn and Eleanor "Ella" Regan, Ava and Nathan Wollas; sister, Cynthia (Podsednik) Bollerman and husband Everett; brother, Will "Billy" Podsednik and wife Regina; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are sons-in-law Tom Regan and Joseph Wollas; David Gerik, Mark Allan Halamik, Tyler Holt, Wesley Holt, Ed Klish, Harry Marak, Ray Parma, Duane Podsednik, Todd Podsednik, and Larry Walther. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons Wynn Regan and Nathan Wollas; Everett Bollerman, Wade Brannan, Gordon Campbell, Joe Foit, Daniel Gerik, Ed Hulsey, Jeff Jacobi, Linza Jones, Will Kapavik, John McMillian, Chad Podsednik, Will Podsednik, Bobby Schafer, Steve Vanek, Ryan Walther, Jackie Willenborg, Pee Wee Zahirniak, and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West ACTS, West Columbus Club, St. Mary's School Sports Complex, or a charity of choice. The family would like to thank: Dr. Eric Jonasch and his team at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX for their unwavering care; the MD Anderson Palliative Care Unit; Leisel Huggins with Baylor Scott & White Hospice and dear cousin and friend Linda Halamik, Larrys two angels here on earth which helped prepare him for the journey to his everlasting home. Most importantly, they want to thank their family and friends for their abundant prayers, tremendous support, constant encouragement, and precious love.
Sunday, April 23, 2017
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption
Monday, April 24, 2017
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption
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