Joseph James Podner, 83, of Florence, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010, at his home, and is now resting comfortably and peacefully in the arms of his loving Lord. He was born October 2, 1926, in Florence, son of the late John and Anna Podner. He attended Florence schools and was a life-long resident of Florence. On December 21, 1974, he happily married Nancy Johnson at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. Joe was self-employed as a successful logger and owned and operated a productive machine shop for forty plus years. Many times, folks from all over the area would stop by to have something repaired or constructed and perhaps share a beer or two with him. There wasn't anything he couldn't fix. Joe was very mechanically inclined, having constructed from scratch a four-wheel-drive skidder, numerous wood splitters, trailers and other equipment. In the 1960's, he designed and built, in part, the series of tow ropes for the Keyes Peak Ski Hill which remain in operation today. During retirement, Joe was even featured on "Discovering" with Buck LeVasseur with his homemade motorized ice shanty. In addition to working in his shop, Joe enjoyed gardening and the taste of fresh vegetables; Nancy's delicious homemade canning, cooking, and baking; hunting and fishing; traveling with his family or simply taking a drive "to the end of the road"; and especially sharing laughter and good times in the pleasant company of family, friends, or neighbors. He possessed a quick wit and great sense of humor as well, and enjoyed listening to a good polka now and again. Above all, Joe was an exceptionally gentle and caring husband, father, and grandfather, and cherished his family beyond measure. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was always happy to see their smiling faces. With sad and heavy hearts, we painfully say goodbye, but will always treasure the beautiful memories which we have shared with him. Joe is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Nancy, of 35 years; his beloved daughter, Joanne (Doug) Leffler, Florence; his beloved son, Joe, Jr., Florence; his beloved daughter, Billie Ann (Robert) Montgomery, Tullahoma, Tennessee; four adoring and precious grandchildren, Emily and Crystal Leffler and Michael and Amanda Montgomery; a dear brother, Matt (Anna) Podner, Spread Eagle; a dear brother, Don (Yvonne) Podner, Goodman; many special nieces, nephews, and brothers- and sisters-in-law. Joe has now returned home to the Lord to rest in eternal peace with loved ones departed, including his parents, John and Anna; brothers, Paul, John, and Peter; and sisters, Francie and Joan. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 26, 2010, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The funeral service will be 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family.