John Philip Podolinsky

I always liked John I would call him from California and ask all kinds of questions, he said all the right answers, I would ask him about science. About his life. I will always remember him being kind and letting us students see nature on so many field trips. He was a great man, I will miss him, miss talking to him.

My prayers are with Mr. Pod's family. He was an engaging teacher that caused me to learn. I was his TA my senior year. Blessings, Laurie Class of '87

Mr. Pod MADE me come to class!!! I loved his spirit, aura and love of life. He taught us about the world and what it was comprised of. Rocks, BEAUTIFUL ROCKS and air and how it swirled around the rocks... And the other ROCKS under the flowing water of life... pot hole rocks ever swirling around in their host rocks. He made me respect the planet and the elements upon it. He was MY teacher, and I will always hold him in my heart as one of my "teachers" of my life path on this planet this...

I feel so very fortunate to have been a student of Mr. Pod. The timing for his influence on me was absolutely perfect. He saved me from giving up and checking out. I am so very grateful for being in his classroom as much as was possible. A truly great man! RIP Mr. Pod! Thank you for the encouragement that still keeps me going forward. You will be remembered and cherished for a very long time. Peace and hugs. You helped me so much!

Sorry to hear of Mr. Pod's passing. He was a great teacher. Very devoted to all of his students in helping every student pass.

I was unfortunate in not getting to meet this most unique man that everyone speaks about here, but I have had the opportunity and pleasure of getting to know him through many stories told by his daughter, Katy daily. He sounded like a very wonderful man. I've read the love and heard the stories of love and can honestly say I missed out on meeting a truly unique and wonderfully loving man. I know that he won't be forgotten and will live on through all those memories and stories of all who knew...

Mr. Podolinski was my favorite SLP High School teacher. Geology, Oceanography, I signed up because he made learning fun and then I went on to learn even more about those topics that he helped spark an interest. Years later (I work at the U of M), he spied me going into the office where I worked and made a point to stop and ask for me and we got to talk. So enjoyed seeing him and shocked that he remembered me so many years later. He embodied all that the SLP Children First initiative has come...

"Mr. Pod" was my favorite high school teacher, teaching my favorite class of Oceanography. I had a great time in that class.

I saw Mr. Podolinsky at Methodist Hospital a few years ago while he was doing volunteer work there. He remembered who I was and the year I graduated ('79). He also remembered that I have an older brother that graduated in '74. That was amazing!

I had a great time reminiscing and catching up with him. My sincere condolences to the family.

I am so sorry to hear of John Pod's passing. What a great teacher and an even better person. John was the biggest reason I went into teaching. I actually started in St. Louis Park the year after his retirement. I was told I was hired to fill the position left by Mr. Pod. I knew at the time that was impossible. I will be starting my 30th year (27th at Park) and I am still striving to reach his level of student-focused teaching. My deepest sympathies to all.