Edward Podraza

Edward Podraza
Edward J. Podraza, 87, of Swansea, Ill., formerly of Collinsville, Ill., born Feb. 24, 1922 in East St. Louis, Ill., died on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 at his residence.
Edward served in the United States Army during World War II and was a member of the Polish American War Veterans and Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, Ill. He graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1940 and worked for CSX Railroad Company (formerly B & O Railroad) for 43 years retiring in 1985.
He was preceded in death by his son, Robert J. Podraza; his parents, John S. and Sophia, nee Flies, Podraza; three sisters, Helen Kotarba, Marie Musielak and Stella Eckman; and his brother, Joe Podraza.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Mildred, nee Seneczyn, Podraza; his son, Ray (Jill) Podraza of O'Fallon, Ill.; five grandchildren, Nikki Parker, David (Christen) Parker, Felicia (Jason) Stone, Stephanie (Justin) Weber and Amanda (Brian) Holt; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorials may be made in the form of masses to Holy Trinity Catholic Church or to Holy Trinity Building Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.kasslyfuneral.com.


Visitation: Friends may call from 4. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, Ill. A prayer service will be held at 4 p.m. and Guard of Honor will be posted from 6 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at the mortuary.

Funeral: Funeral procession to leave at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, from Kassly Mortuary, Fairview Heights, Ill., for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, Ill., with Father James Long officiating. Interment will be in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Fairview Heights, Ill.

KASSLY MORTUARY, Fairview Heights, Ill.