Marvin Podgorski, age 79, of Wausau, died peacefully on Friday, November 10, 2017 at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 31, 1938 to the late Sigmund and Tillie (Delikowski) Podgorski in Wausau. Marvin attended school at the Wausau Senior High School. He met and married Phyllis Seefeldt on September 23, 1961. She survives.
Marvin worked as a welder for over 53 years for Greenheck Fan Corp. in Schofield. He also belonged to the local sheet metal workers union #565, even into his retirement, and he was one of the first members, as well as having the most years with the union. In his earlier years, along with his day to day job, he fabricated and sold satellite dishes and took on many electrical jobs, re-wiring several homes over the years. Marvin was known as a “jack of all trades” and able to fix most anything. His motto was “if you’re going to do it, do it right the first time.” In retirement, he continued to crop farm, in which he took a daily interest in, whether it was driving his tractor in the field or watching the daily Ag Report on television. Through many years of dedicated and hard work, he instilled a wonderful work ethic and sense of accomplishment in each of his children. Marvin was a very strong man who adored his family, and looked forward to spending time with them. He also enjoyed taking part in conversations about agriculture, history and politics. Some of his hobbies were deer hunting, gardening and canning with Phyllis, camping, attending and watching his family participate in tractor pulls and helping at the family maple syrup shack. Marvin was a member of the NRA and supported many organizations, including the Boy Scouts and all of the snowmobile clubs, raffles and banquets, as well as the local Elks Club. He had an interest in antiques and would collect eagle pieces.
Marvin is survived by his wife: Phyllis Podgorski of Wausau, daughter: JoAnn (Donald) Dombrowsky of Wausau, son: Marvin L. (Lori) Podgorski of Merrill, daughters: Denise (Brian) Hackbarth of Merrill and Connie (Joel) Krueger of Wausau, sons: Matthew (friend, Angela Baker) Podgorski and Jonathon (Katie) Podgorski, both of Merrill, 13 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, sister: Marcella (Delmar) Jaeger of Merrill, brothers: Stanley (Sherrie) Podgorski of Merrill, Sigmund (Nancy) Podgorski Jr. of Wausau and Glenn Podgorski of Wausau and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Nancy Betker and Phyllis Schwede and brother: Gary Podgorski.
A Funeral Liturgy for Marvin will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill. Father Jim Horath will officiate. Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2017 from 9am until the time of the liturgy, also at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at the Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.