Stephen James Podszus

Steve passed away January 23, 2025 in Wichita.

Although he was born in McAllen, Texas on March 22, 1948, he was a Kansas boy through-and-through. Steve grew up on a farm across from the baseball field in Lincolnville and later lived in town close to the grain elevator.

He graduated from Centre High School in 1966 and then studied electronics. Steve also worked for Beech Aircraft in Salina.

Steve served his country honorably as an Army radio operator in Vietnam, where he spent 13 months and 2 days in Quang Tri province, the site of the DMZ between the north and the south.

He and Cindy Podszus (née Powell) married on November 18, 1972 in Marion and made their home in Salina. They later moved to Colorado, where they raised their two daughters in Longmont and Colorado Springs.

In Colorado, Steve first worked for Beech Aircraft as a test technician for the quality control department. He then worked as a realtor. He also spent many years as a commercial power tool and electrical equipment salesperson with a multistate territory.

He later spent time in Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky before returning home to Lincolnville.

Steve was exceptionally kind to animals, with a special love for cats and birds.

He could bring history alive in his knowledgeable conversations about everything from Kansas settlers to World War II.

He loved to visit historic sites, take walks around town to greet his human and animal neighbors, and follow local and national politics.

Steve grew the tastiest tomatoes and diligently worked to keep his trees and flowers growing through dry spells.

Whenever the weather changed, he was sure to be monitoring the temperature, precipitation, and forecast.

He enjoyed watching old movies and television shows, as well as shows about mysterious places.

Steve also had quite a sweet tooth and made visiting Russell Stover part of any trip to Abilene.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Viola Podszus of Lincolnville. Steve is survived by his daughters Debbie Podszus of Duisburg, Germany and Becky Podszus of Olympia, WA. He is also survived by his ex-wife Cindy Podszus of Olympia, WA, his brother Rod Podszus of Hartland, WI, as well as many friends.

In honor of his wishes as an organ donor, Steve continues to care for others by helping them live more days with their loved ones.

But all of this cannot begin to capture the man we knew. Steve had a gentleness of soul that is far too uncommon in this world. He weathered life’s storms and kept going on, finding the simple joys in watching the birds at his feeder, talking to the store clerks where he shopped, and reading a new book one of his daughters sent him.

Peace be with you, dear Dad. We love you now and always.

All are welcome to a celebration of Steve’s life on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. at the Yazel-Megli Funeral Home at 205 Elm St, Marion.