wow im so sorry for the family i cant believe it,, bills gone..bill and mary were there for me when i needed them and they saved my life bill was and will always be in my heart and ill never forget the what bill and mary did for me thanks

Mary and family.  So sorry for your loss. Bill was much more than a coworker to me--he was a friend.  He worked right outside my office and I am going to miss him greatly.

I never told him but the reason I put him close by me was selfish on my part. It was because he was so much fun to be around.

My sincere sympathies.

I was blessed to have known Bill for the last 17 years and become part of his life. Over the last several days I have thought of all the ways Bill has enriched my life, from buying us a key pad for our garage door, because we always forgot a house key, to planning our Friday nights out, and watching our cat whenever we went out of town. So many good times and so much laughter that I can't possibly put it all into words.  Bill we are all going to miss you more than we can even imagine.  Thank you for all the stories, good times and wonderful memories.

For the past 17 years I have been forunate enough to have known Bill; I think I have laughed for all 17 years. We did it all: every street fair, every Bluegrass days, every festival, the mississippi valley fair, ultimate fighting, monday night football, sunday football, roadkill cookouts..every 4th, weddings, birthdays, anniverseries, new years eve's, haunted housing..more bars and bar bands then i can count...but most of all dear Bill, I will miss the laughter, the one constant was the laughter, the stories no one else could have told and or lived. My heart is broken...Saying goodby to you in Iowa City Sunday (even though you could not hear) was so very hard and so very sad.  I don't ever want the pain of that day to go away for it will always remind me of what I lost....a friend for the ages.

I am at a loss for words. I just know he truly loves my sister, Mary and that will never change, not even death can destroy that.

Bill was a terrific person and fun co-worker who always had a way of brightening up any situation or make you laugh so hard you would almost pee your pants.  Gonna miss him lots!   My deepest sympathy to his family and close friends.

Sorry to hear about your dad, Alex. He was a great man and always full of happiness. Prayers go out to you and your family.

Layne and I feel totally blessed to have enjoyed the Friday nights with Bill. What a wonderful, sincere and funny man. Thank you. Always in our prayers.

I am getting ready to go to Halligan's to say good bye to one of my most cherished friends. I decided to take a minute and read the online guestbook. I can tell that Bill was cherished by many, and it's not that it's a surprise...it is a reassurance that Bill will be remembered by many. I was lucky to have known Bill and even luckier to be his friend. After we returned from seeing him last weekend in Iowa City I had a very sad and dark moment. Even though we had spent almost every weekend with Bill over the past 5 years and worked together daily and laughed and laughed every one of those days, I couldn't remember one funny thing he said, couldn't hear his voice and couldn't even remember any of our daily morning conversations. My heart was so broken and the grief was too strong. But after spending time with Mary and the kids this week, sharing memories with co-workers and taking time to just think, the memories are returning, the sound of his laugh is still there and the stories are endless. I don't know when I will ever know someone as funny, as silently giving or as easy a friend but I take peace in just having known him. My deepest condolences to Mary and all the kids, peace be with you my friend and I will see you at the end of my journey.

Dear Steph and family members-
thinking of you
praying for you
wishing you peace
sincerely, Heather Tynan

This weekend Leslie and I were in Iowa City to visit Bill. I was in charge of taking care of our daughter at the hotel while Leslie was at the Hospital visiting Bill. When Leslie called me on Sunday and told me to come to the ICU as fast as I could I knew it was not good news. Upon arriving they my family was in the waiting area and Bill was being worked on by the doctors. When we were finally allowed to see him he was in pretty bad shape, we individually said our goodbyes, and then sat, trying to comprehend what was happening. While reflecting, selfishly I started to prepare myself for the inevitable, I had never watched someone pass away and I wanted to remain strong in Leslie's time of need. We waited through the night and as morning came we gathered around his bed to collectively say goodbye. This was a very emotional time and I simply knew that when the moment came I was going to break down. As he took his final breath a calm serenity came over me and I recalled a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye: 

“Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning's hush I am the swift uplifting rush, of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft starlight at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die.”

Filled with grief I could not help but smile; as I looked up at him I realized that while only his body remained he did not cease to exist. Bill's legacy will live on in those who care about him the most, in stories, pictures, and memories he will remain with us always. 

Everyone has a different “Bill” stories, and to think that one person can incubus an individual is foolish, so I will simply share what Bill meant to me.

While reelecting with family throughout the week the room has often been filled with laughter. Bill was always the center of attention and we have all been telling stories that make everyone smile. However, when I think of Bill's legacy I keep thinking of the lessons he taught me, most likely without knowing. 

I grew up the only child of a single mother. Despite that I had a good upbringing by a mother and grandmother who loved me, but there was always a void. The men in my life would come and go; teachers, coaches, and uncles, who all taught me how to be a man, but never how to be a father. Leslie and I were friends for several years and started dating when we were 16. Bill, already setting a good example, objected to Leslie privately, but was always gracious to me. 

Over the years I transitioned from a young trouble maker who was dating his daughter to a son-in-law who became part of the family. Over that time I learned about the family's history, what I always found strange was how candid the family discussed Bill's mortality. Bill was in a fire when he was 9 years old and fought for his life in hospitals for a year. During that time he received a contaminated blood transfusion that contained the disease that ultimately took his life. He never told me, but I believe it was then Bill decided he was going to live each day to the fullest. This lead to Bill planning everything, from time off work, to naps, to social events, and everything in between; I remember family members getting frustrated during our visit to Disney World several years ago at the amount of “over planning” that was taking place. But that's who Bill was, he simply didn't want to leave any time on the clock if he had a chance to live that time doing the things he wanted to do. 

This of course leads to a philosophical question, how should you value a life? Is a life of a hundred years doing the things you don't like doing a success? Or is a life of a single day lived to the fullest a triumph? To me there is far more value in a life spent with no regrets, living each day doing things you love. I believe Bill lived this kind of life. Our time is limited so we shouldn't waste it on things that don't bring us joy. Bill helped teach me that lesson through example and for that I am grateful. 

The second and more important lesson Bill taught me was what it means to be charitable. Everyone wants to do good in theory, but few “walk-the-walk”. I remember Leslie telling me that one of her great Uncles had passed away and Bill was going to be receiving the entirety of his estate. I was personally thinking, “Alright, Leslie's parents hit the jackpot” later I discovered Bill had quietly allocated the money throughout his family instead of keeping the sum for himself. I could not understand this at the time but understanding the kind of man Bill was, I know that was the only option.

But monetary charity, while important, is simple, write a check and you're done, what's difficult is sacrificing time, which as we know was most valuable to Bill. Like driving to Chicago to help his son pick out an engagement ring for his future wife; or driving to Des Moines to help his daughter with a broken car; or sacrificing space in his home for a friend in need. 

Bill truly taught me life lessons that have made me a better husband, father, and man. I am a better person for having known him, and will work each day to live up to his example. I will miss you Bill, but I know you're in a better place watching over us. Thank you for all you did for me.

Love Jace

Dear Mary,
I was so sorry to hear about Bill.  What a difficult time for you and the family. 
I will always remember Bill for his smile and his laughter.  I will keep him in my heart and in my prayers.  With my deepest sympathy.  Fr. Parlette

Oh, Mary, I am so sorry to hear about Billy's passing.  He was such a funny guy!  I remember how he made us laugh.  Words cannot adequately express my condolences.  Blessings of comfort to you and your family.

Our sympathy for your loss. Bill was a wonderful man that we knew through St. Al's/Carole's/westend crew. Always had a smile to share, a laugh to crack and a conversation to be had. Although it has been several years since we've seen him, he will be missed by all. Wishing you and your family much peace during this time.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss.  I have worked with Bill for years at the Corps.  One of my favorite things about Bill was when work came across his desk that he didn't like or didn't want to do he would always say "that is not my job".  I use to chuckle because he was serious!  Rest in peace Bill.  You will be missed by all.

I am sending my deepest condolences to Mary, Leslie and Alex. Bill was a very nice person and a wonderful friend. I worked as an Accountant with him on the Rock Island Arsenal from 1989-1994. We shared many laughs and lunches together. Bill adored his wife and his children. Rest in peace dear friend.

Mary, Leslie and Alex, I heard the sad news of Bill's passing from our cousin Liz. I am so sorry for your loss. I remember so well Mary and Bill's wedding day. You were so happy and we all had such a good time -- one of the best family weddings ever! What fun it was too, to see all of you at Matt's wedding after so many years. I remember talking with Bill the morning of the wedding and he was so easy to talk to -- a really good guy. I will pray for all of you and will light a candle for him and you at my church, to help light the way through a difficult time. If there is anything I can do, just let me know.

My prayers are with you at this difficult time. Suzanne thought so much of both of you and cherished your friendship. May you find strength, peace, and comfort from your family and friends and from your faith. God bless!

I'm very sorry to hear of Bill's passing.  I worked for bill when I was at DFAS-RI from 1996 - 2002.  He always had an answer to my questions, and I enjoyed the interesting conversations we'd have (which involved a lot of laughing due to his great sense of humor.)  My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and close friends.

We were very sorry to hear of the passing of Bill.  We worked with him at DFAS and will miss him.  Our prayers are with the family.

My deepest sympathy to Bill's family. Bill was a genuinely sweet man. Not many men would appreciate be called "sweet", but I think Bill would. I knew Bill when I was the Comptroller Career Program Coordinator in the pre-DFAS days. Bill was always a bright spot in my day, He was funny, friendly, and smart. I will always remember him with great fondness. He will be missed by many, many people.

3/6

We were so saddened to learn of the passing of Bill.  There are no words that are adequate at these times.  It was our pleasure to have known such a fine man.  We pray you find strength in this difficult time.  Our best to you always.  Mike/Maria Ringblum

Mary and Family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I worked with Bill since 1987.  He was a very good guy, and the life of the party.  I knew that whenever I saw Bill somewhere we were all going to have a good time.  I can't tell you how heartbroken I am over this news.  Although I didn't see him daily, I will miss Bill very much.

Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I worked with him at the Arsenal.  My prayers are with you!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief, Mary. Bill was a dear friend and always so much fun to work with. We are blessed knowing Leslie and Alex, too. GOD bless Bill and may GOD be with you and the family.

May God hold you tight in this difficult time. Bill has been so fun to be around I for our years at St Alphonsus with kids growing up . We cherish our friendship and being apart of All of your lives.

I first met Bill at DFAS and then we ended up at the Corps due to the BRAC, he was a funny, funny guy. On my last ULO review at year end he brought me a reese's peanut butter cup candy bar because I had the most reviews to do at year end.  I will truly miss his sense of humor and laugh.  My thoughts and prayers to all family members and friends

Mary and Family - So sad to hear this news.  Worked with Bill for many years.  He was always smiles and laughter.

Bill brought so many people laughter and joy. He was always upbeat and smiling. I will always remember the great times we had with him. Love, light, strength and prayers to all his loved ones.

Mary and family--My heart is breaking for you.  I read of Bill's passing with such shock and sadness.  I worked with Bill at the Corps until my retirement in 2011.  He was an expert in all things related to government accounting and he was always willing to lend a hand.  But more than that, he was a friendly, funny, kind gem of a fellow.  The world will miss his warmth and goodness.  My sincere sympathies.

OBITUARY

William Podhirny

23 March, 1956 – 4 March, 2013

Davenport Memorial Park

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