Irma Jean Podhajsky

Irma Jean Podhajsky was born September 6th, 1930, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and Irene (Princehouse) Abbe. She graduated from high school in Toledo in 1948, where she was name Homecoming Queen. She married William R. Podhajsky on November 23, 1949; he preceded her in death on February 4, 1977. Together, they farmed their whole lives on the Podhajsky family farm south of Traer. Irma was a typical farmwife who spent much of her time tending to her family and feeding the many men who helped on the farm. In the fall, sweetcorn harvest was truly a family affair! With everyone gathering to harvest, husk, cut & freeze LOTS of corn!! Irma also enjoyed getting together with her mother & mother-in-law, Mayme, to can the many vegetables harvested from her garden.

After losing her husband William in 1977 and then her son Dennis in 1979, she decided to move from the farm to her home on Mill Street in Traer in 1984. This is where she met her longtime friend and companion, Bob Martin. They spent many decades together, traveling and making memories. Bob was a “goer” and always kept Irma on her toes. They never stayed home for long when he was around!

In her free time, she enjoyed shopping, relaxing with Bob on her screen porch with a drink listening to “In the Mood” on Alexa, bowling and even tried her hand at golf a few times. Irma & Bob were dedicated to the Catholic church; they always enjoyed finding a new church to attend while on their travels. Much of Irma’s time after her move to town was spent in Toledo caring for her mom & aunt Dorothy until their passing.

Irma passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Westbrook Acres in Gladbrook, at the age of 94. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, Dennis Podhajsky; son-in-law, Dennis McGowan and her special friend, Bob Martin. Irma is survived by her two sons, Steve (Joanne) Podhajsky of Tampa, Florida and Jerry (Courtney) Podhajsky of Leawood, Kansas; daughter, Bonnie McGowan of Traer; six grandchildren, Andrea (Justin) Rishel, Jodi (DJ) Opdahl, Emily Podhajsky, Elise (Tony) Savastano, Julie (Cliff Frey) Trimpe and Brian (Arthur Breur) Trimpe and six great-grandchildren, Taylor, Laci, Ryan, Colton, Ace, Luca, Oliver and Cora.

Memorials may be directed to St. Paul Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011, Washington DC, 20090-6011.

Visitation: Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Overton Funeral Home, 714 First St., Traer, 50675.

Funeral Mass: Monday, March 31, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1102 Walnut St., Traer, 50675.

Burial: St. Paul Catholic Cemetery, Traer, IA.