Obituary for Stephen O "Stevie P of the U.P." Podgornik
Norway- Stephen O. Podgornik, “Stevie P of the U.P.,” 75, of Norway, Mich., passed away Monday, April 1, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center-Dickinson, Iron Mountain, Mich.
He was born August 22, 1948, in Iron Mountain, Mich., son of the late Stephen and Lois (Freeman) Podgornik.
Stephen was an active member of The Sons of the American Legion Post 50, Iron Mountain, Mich., and a volunteer at the Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center. He was a proud Son whose father was an Army Veteran in World War II. Steve was recognized by the Members of the Michigan Sons of the American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee for outstanding service. According to the Iron Mountain facility, “Mr. Podgornik has not missed an opportunity to help in one way or another.” He was a member of Norway Evangelical Covenant Church in Norway, Mich.
Steve had a unique sense of humor and loved to see people smile. Those who knew him said he lit up the room. And he surely did!!
Survivors include his significant other and love of his life, Lori Opolka; sons, Christopher Opolka, Jeff (Lisa) Podgornik, and Craig (Jane) Podgornik; daughters, Cassandra (Lance Ayotte) Opolka, Miranda (Logan Heider) Opolka, Nicole (Jim) Schintgen, and Crystal Podgornik; nine grandchildren, Kyle Podgornik, Kelsey Podgornik, Ellie Podgornik, Alex Walker, Zach (Alyse Schroeder) Walker, Austin Walker, Rachael Walker, Amelia Schintgen, and Keara Podgornik; one great-grandson, Greyson Podgornik; sister, Susie (Larry) Tinti; sisters-in-law, Faye Podgornik, Diane (Roger) Peppler, and Kathy Butler; brother-in-law, Paul Opolka; special aunts, Edna “Putzen” Dennis, and Donna LeGault; and several cousins; nieces; and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by one brother, Joe Podgornik; nephew, Eric Podgornik; and brothers-in-law, Tom Cocking and Joseph Butler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the American Legion Post 50, 916 River Avenue, Iron Mountain, Mich., with Pastor Jim Danielson officiating. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the legion.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Stephen’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor Stephen’s legacy of life.
Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”
He was born August 22, 1948, in Iron Mountain, Mich., son of the late Stephen and Lois (Freeman) Podgornik.
Stephen was an active member of The Sons of the American Legion Post 50, Iron Mountain, Mich., and a volunteer at the Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center. He was a proud Son whose father was an Army Veteran in World War II. Steve was recognized by the Members of the Michigan Sons of the American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Committee for outstanding service. According to the Iron Mountain facility, “Mr. Podgornik has not missed an opportunity to help in one way or another.” He was a member of Norway Evangelical Covenant Church in Norway, Mich.
Steve had a unique sense of humor and loved to see people smile. Those who knew him said he lit up the room. And he surely did!!
Survivors include his significant other and love of his life, Lori Opolka; sons, Christopher Opolka, Jeff (Lisa) Podgornik, and Craig (Jane) Podgornik; daughters, Cassandra (Lance Ayotte) Opolka, Miranda (Logan Heider) Opolka, Nicole (Jim) Schintgen, and Crystal Podgornik; nine grandchildren, Kyle Podgornik, Kelsey Podgornik, Ellie Podgornik, Alex Walker, Zach (Alyse Schroeder) Walker, Austin Walker, Rachael Walker, Amelia Schintgen, and Keara Podgornik; one great-grandson, Greyson Podgornik; sister, Susie (Larry) Tinti; sisters-in-law, Faye Podgornik, Diane (Roger) Peppler, and Kathy Butler; brother-in-law, Paul Opolka; special aunts, Edna “Putzen” Dennis, and Donna LeGault; and several cousins; nieces; and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Stephen was preceded in death by one brother, Joe Podgornik; nephew, Eric Podgornik; and brothers-in-law, Tom Cocking and Joseph Butler.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the American Legion Post 50, 916 River Avenue, Iron Mountain, Mich., with Pastor Jim Danielson officiating. A luncheon and fellowship will follow the service at the legion.
Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Stephen’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Iron Mountain, to honor Stephen’s legacy of life.
Matthew 25:23 “His master replied, well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”