Frank Charles Podolak

Frank Charles Podolak

Frank Charles Podolak, age 82, passed away on December 11, at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyo., after a short illness. Funeral Services were conducted at the Bader-Peet Funeral Home in Lusk, on Wednesday, December 15 with the Rev. Delbert Dick of the American Missionary Fellowship of Wheatland, Wyo. officiating. Burial and graveside services followed at the Valley View Cemetery in Torrington, Wyo. Fraternal services were conducted by the BPOE # 1797 of Lusk.

Pallbearers were Steven Britton, Greg Britton, Lloyd Britton, Ed Donaldson, Terry Owens and Jimmy Shane.

Flowers of memorials to the Niobrara Memorial Hospital, Lusk Ambulance Fund, Lusk Senior Center, the American Missionary Fellowship or Lipp-Springer Scholarship fund would be appreciated by the family.

Frank Charles Podolak was the son of Charles and Nettie (Lang) Podolak. He was born December 8, 1912 in Seward County, Neb. Frank moved to Wyoming with his parents in March of 1914 in an immigrant car to Van Tassell and on to a homestead southwest of Van Tassell, in the Prairie Center Area. Frank had lived on this homestead ranch all but two years of his life, which he spent in Calif. in 1935 and 1936.

Frank married Alice Britton on December 9, 1931 in Hot Springs, S.D. In 1934 Frank and Alice spent six months in Chicago, Ill., where Frank attended the Coyne Electrical School. Upon completion of this course, they moved to Oakland, Calif. In April of 1937, they returned to the ranch where Frank resided until his death.

Frank was a pioneer breeder of Polled Hereford Cattle, receiving state and National awards. He was active in numerous Polled Hereford organizations, and exhibited numerous champions during his active years in the business.

Frank served 33 years on the Board of Directors for Niobrara Electric Association. During this time he also served on the board of Wyoming Electric Association, serving as vice-president and president other organizations included the Tri State G & T., Basin Electric, Midwest Electric, Consumers and Missouri Basin Systems Group.

Frank was a generous contributor to the youth of the area, serving nine years on the Goshen County Dist. I school board. He hosted many 4-H beef judgings on his ranch for 27 years and always supported and assisted with any project for young people.

Mr. Podolak was a member of the Congregational-United Church of Christ of Lusk, the BPOE # 1797 and a life member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Podolak was preceded in death by his parents, one grandson Donald Ray Podolak and son-in-law Jerry Sturman.

Frank is survived by his wife Alice, son Ronald and daughter Janice Sturman of the family ranch near Lusk. Also surviving are three grandsons, Mark, Kent and Cody, granddaughter Deborah Kay Podolak, one great granddaughter Jessie Lynn Sturman all of Lusk and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bader-Peet Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

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