Willie Mae Podsednik

Willie Mae Podsednik, age 94, of Elm Mott, passed away early Saturday morning, November 4, 2023 at Twin Rivers in Richardson.

A rosary will be recited 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by her grandchildren, with visitation to follow until 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 13, 2023 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tours, with Rev. Will Straten and Rev. Walter Dhanwar as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Martin’s Cemetery.

Willie Mae was born with her twin brother, Willie on May 12, 1929 in West to Paul and Millie (Kallus) Klimitchek. She attended St. Mary’s School and was a 1947 graduate of West High School. On February 9, 1948 she was united in marriage to Frank Podsednik in Abbott. Frank preceded her in death on October 11, 2007. Together, they owned and operated Frank's Drive-In Grocery in East Waco from 1967 to 1979 where they employed their sons, many of the high school boys, and the Smith family. She served many years of service at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bellmead and St. John's Catholic Church in Waco. Willie Mae was a faithful member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tours where she served in many capacities. She and her husband Frank received the Lumen Gentium Award from the Diocese of Austin in 2007. She was also a member of the McLennan-Hill Czech Heritage Society, VFW Post #4819 Auxiliary, Catholic Daughters of America Sacred Heart Court #829, St. Martin’s Altar Society, Catholic Life Association, KJT Society #60, and the KJZT Society #45, where she served as secretary for over 20 years and was selected Fraternalist of the Year in 1999. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Czech Republic, she was proud of her heritage, speaking the language, and genealogy research. Willie Mae took great pride in being a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She cherished time with her family and made many baby, graduation and wedding quilts for her grandchildren as a lasting legacy. Willie Mae enjoyed volunteering with hospice patients and West Rest Haven making and donating many lap quilts, pillows, and wheelchair bags. With her love and kindness, she never met a stranger and made lifelong friendships wherever she went. Her strong faith and love will be carried on in the hearts of her family and by all who knew her. Willie Mae co-authored a book on the The Leroy Bank Scandal published in 1994.

Willie Mae is also preceded in death by her parents; her sons, Larry Podsednik and Will "Billy" Podsednik; a sister, Stasie Cihlar; and brothers, Leo, Fred, and Willie Klimitchek.

Survivors include her daughter, Cynthia “Cyndy” Bollerman and husband Everett of Dallas; her daughters-in-law, Kathy Podsednik of West and Regina Podsednik of Burleson; her beloved grandchildren, Rachel Regan and husband Tom, Robyn Wollas and husband Dr. Joseph, Rebecca Podsednik, Chad Podsednik and wife Wendy, Todd Podsednik and wife Charity, and Krista Huffman and husband Mark; her great grandchildren, Wynn Regan, Ella Regan, Ava Wollas, Nathan Wollas, Cassia Fernandez and husband Craig, Kellie Watkins and husband Jacob, Asher Podsednik and fiance Rachel, John Podsednik, Matthew Podsednik, Samantha Podsednik, Jack Podsednik, Oz Podsednik, Kylee Kirby and husband Jeff, Ryan Huffman, and Kayla Huffman; a great-great granddaughter, Brooklynn Kirby on the way; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are Tom Regan, Dr. Joseph Wollas, Chad Podsednik, Todd Podsednik, Jerry 'Bobo' Pratka, Duane Podsednik, David Otto, Charlie Klimitchek, Victor Drietner Jr., and David Gerik. Honorary pallbearers are her great grandchildren, past and present members of the VFW Post #4819 Auxiliary, Danny Ray Pratka, her Godchildren, Karen Robison, Sharon Cormier, Cecilia O'Neil, and Johnny Straten, and the late Eddie Hykel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clerical Endowment Fund, St. Martin's Catholic Church Building Fund or McLennan-Hill Czech Heritage Society.