Frank A. Podsednik, 81, of Elm Mott, passed away Thursday evening, Oct. 11, 2007, surrounded by his family, at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Isidore Rozycki, with a visitation to follow until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday at St. Martin's Church in Tours with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki and the Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrants. Military graveside rites will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery near Tours, conducted by V.F.W. Post 4819 of West.

Frank was born in Tours, Texas, to the late Anton and Annie (Vrba) Podsednik. He attended St. Martin's School in Tours and West High School. He served his country in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater aboard the USS President Hayes from 1943 until 1946. It was through the United States Navy that Frank received his high school diploma. On Feb. 9, 1948, he was united in marriage to Willie Mae Klimitchek in Abbott. Frank worked for Pepsi Cola and Oak Farms Dairy for 17 years. He was also the owner and operator of Frank's Drive In Grocery in Waco for 14 years. After his retirement, Frank became a rancher and raised cattle. He enjoyed taking care of his cows and showed special attention to all animals. He dearly loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Frank was a member of West V.F.W. Post 4819 where he served as a past Chief Commander for 10 years and called bingo every Sunday night, K.J.T. Society No. 60, serving as a past president and present vice-president, West Knights of Columbus Council No. 2305, American Legion Post #478, and St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tours where he served for many years as an usher on Saturday evening. In June of 2007, Frank and Willie Mae were honored with the Lumen Gentium award from the Diocese of Austin which was presented to them by Bishop Gregory Aymond.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward, Edmund and Norbert "Jim" Podsednik; and sisters, Agnes Straten, Christine Pratka, Sister Marie Podsednik, Mary Dulock and Bennie Mae Pustejovsky.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Willie Mae Podsednik, of Elm Mott; sons, Larry Podsednik and wife, Kathy, of West, and Will "Billy" Podsednik and wife, Regina, of Burke, Va.; daughter, Cynthia "Cyndy" Bollerman and husband, Everett, of Dallas; grandchildren, Rachel Regan and husband, Tom, of Houston, Robyn Wollas and husband, Dr. Joseph of Knoxville, Tenn., Rebecca Podsednik, of Orlando, Fla., Chad Podsednik and wife, Wendy, and Todd Podsednik and wife, Charity, all of Burke, Va.; six great-grandchildren; step-granddaughter, Krista Hoffman and husband, Mark; three step-great-grandchildren; brother, Tommy Podsednik and wife, Millie, of Arlington; sister, Helen Hrabal, of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister-in-law, Evelyn Podsednik, of Tours; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Waco Tribune-Herald: 10/13/2007...B2