Harry James Podhora

Harry James Podhora
December 24, 1943 – April 12, 2020

Harry James Podhora, 76, of Phillips, died peacefully in his sleep Easter Sunday morning, April 12, 2020, due to complications from cancer. He was born December 24, 1943, in Phillips, the son of Emil and Tina (Newman) Podhora, and was a Phillips High School, Class of 1962, graduate.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force with 22.5 years of service. On January 20, 1968, Harry married Dorothy Gryglewski at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Phillips – just before his deployment to Vietnam. His time in the military took him to most of the United States and around the world, including Germany, Vietnam, Turkey, and Guam. He was able to ski in the Swiss Alps and drive on the Autobahn. Harry received numerous awards during his service – including the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. He achieved the rank of E-7 Master Sergeant as a Chief Weather Forecaster. Harry was the go-to weather guy for his friends and family – always staying on top of current and upcoming weather conditions. After his military retirement, Harry also worked for the National Weather Service for 16 years and then at Wal-Mart for 15 years.

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Dorothy; their four daughters: Amy (Karl) Pippenger, Phillips; Monica (Gary) Bradshaw, Las Vegas, Nevada; Elizabeth (Kent) Gabrielsen, La Crosse; Christina (Jake) Stelter, Appleton; 7 grandchildren: Eli, Hannah, Allie, Philip, Matthew, Sophia, and Olivia; and siblings: Tony (Joann Sowinski) Podhora, Wausau; Ida Podhora, New Berlin; Karen Podhora, Wausau; Susan (Rodney) Wills, Mosinee; and brother-in-law Rick Hansen, Walnut, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Hansen, and his youngest daughter, Jennifer Podhora.

Thanks to all the staff at Marshfield Clinic, friends and family members for their encouragement, care, and support.
We rejoice with him as he enters his Heavenly home, ceasing from his earthly labors, laying aside the pains of this world, and reuniting with those he loves!

A private church service will be held due to the COVID-19 quarantine. Harry was a member of St Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. A cemetery service with military honors and a Celebration of Life gathering will be held at a later date. Interment will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Phillips. Heindl Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. www.heindlfuneralhome.com.