Peter Podnar, 86, of Florence, passed away Friday, January 25, 2008, with his family by his side at the Golden Living Center, Florence. He was born July 5, 1921, in Florence, son of the late John and Anna (Spolarich) Podnar. He married Barbara Budzak on May 7, 1955, in Florence. Peter served in the US Naval Service-Coast Guard during WWII aboard the USS Ricketts in the North Atlantic from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1945. After being discharged, he sailed the Great Lakes, working on the ore boats. Upon returning to Florence, he was employed at the Commonwealth mine, and later spent the majority of his life as an independent logger and farmer. His family treasures the love he had for the outdoors and his appreciation for God's creation. He passed this love on to his children and grandchildren in teaching them to value the same. Peter enjoyed hunting, fishing, cutting firewood, gardening, and reading. His favorite pass times were spending time at camp, visiting with his family and watching his grandchildren grow up. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the VFW post in Florence. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara; five sons, John (Donna) Podnar, Kingsford, Mich., Dale (Cindy) Podnar, Green Bay, Wis., Daniel Podnar, Florence, James (Amy) Podnar, Green Bay, Robert (Mary) Podnar, Florence; two daughters Rita (Donald) Berger, Hancock, Mich., Sue (Peter) Cattelino, Houghton, Mich.; three brothers Joe (Nancy) Podnar, Florence, Matt (Ann) Podnar, Florence, Donald (Yvonne) Podnar, Goodman, Wis.; a sister-in-law, Helen Podnar, Crystal Falls, Mich; 20 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Beside his parents, Peter was preceded in death by two children, Michael and Mary Ann; two brothers, John and Paul; two sisters, Joan Goerke, Francis Henry; and one grandson, Corey Podnar. Visitation will be Monday, January 28, 2008, from 9:00am to 11:00am, at Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. VFW Post No. 3635 of Florence will offer a Veteran's Memorial Service 10:45am Monday, at the funeral home. Prayers will be offered 11:00am Monday, at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30am Monday, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. Fr. Ray Valerio will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Commonwealth, Wis. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Altrusa House, 1116 East Mason Street, Green Bay, WI 54301 Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Peter's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com The Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, is serving the family.