Joe Podell

June 4, 1958 – Aug. 12, 2003 Joe Podell peacefully passed away on Wednesday afternoon Aug.13, in his home with his family and loving companion by his side.He was a beloved son of Richard J.Podell and Joyce Cobb Podell of South Bend, Ind.His mother preceded his death in May of 2001.

President and owner of the “Joseph Podell Company Inc.,”a South Bend Masonry/General Construction Contractor for over 20 years, the Joseph Podell Company has been recognized by local and regional communities for it’s outstanding work in restoration. His expertise in masonry restoration in the Institutional and Religious area, left a distinguished mark on the community. His work represented his love of restoring his community’s heritage.Most notably his work received the only “Masonry-Brick- Stone-Glass Restoration Award” given for Excellence for his restoration of ‘Moreau Seminary” at the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind.

Joe, a graduate of John Adams High School, South Bend, with continuing education in his field nationally was a well loved member of the community, who participated in several organizations throughout his life.An active member of the “Cass County 4-H Fair” organization and “Our Lady of the Lake”Catholic Church, Edwardsburg, Mich., Joe was a loving, caring father who was devoted and faithful to his God, his children, his family and friends. Joe always preferred helping the less fortunate, mentoring the young and offering his support to people in need. He enjoyed horseback riding with his children, family gatherings, fishing, golfing and a beautiful sunsets.

He is survived by his beloved children, Amber Podell of Houston, Texas, Hilary Podell of St.Augustine, Fla., Whitney and Kelsey Podell, both of Niles, Mich.; a son, Daniel Podell of Niles;and his loving companion, Jennifer Hetz of South Bend. Surviving family members include his father, Richard J.Podell of South Bend;three sisters, Sue Hektor and Marla Speece, both of Granger, Ind., and Rebecca Podell- Bolin of Niles;and six brothers, Jack and George Podell of South Bend, Dennis Podell of Osceola, Ind., Charlie Podell of Carmel, Ind., Max Podell of Granger, Ind., and Jon Podell of Wheaton, Ill.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Indiana time (11 a.m.Michigan) Monday, Aug.18, in Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Edwardsburg, Mich. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. South Bend time today, Aug.16 in Hickey Funeral Home, 17131 Cleveland Road, and from 2 to 6 p.m.Sunday, Aug.17 , where a scripture service will be held at 5:30 p.m. Donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Our Lady of the Lake Building Fund, Edwardsburg, or to the American Cancer Society.

Information from Pam Podemski 06/09/2019 JFC

reformatted 07/23/24 EJS