Very sorry to hear about Stan's passing... sorry this is so late, I wish I would of seen this in time to attend his service.  He was a neighbor and friend for a long time.... my condolences to his family...

Rich Lynch

Eulogy ³/3

Grandpa was so proud of his family, each of his children and grandchildren and the smile that would go from ear to ear at seeing his great grandchildren was priceless. I would always chuckle when he would keep score of who had more great grandkids, him or his brother, Uncle Eddie. His love for his family knew no bounds. Just like his faith. In the worst of times his faith never seemed to waver. One of the most beautiful testaments to who he was, was given by my grandma Lola, his loving wife of 68 years, shortly before she passed, saying to me, “I wish I had married him sooner.” What an unbelievable love they shared, where 68 years didn’t seem like enough. I’m sure they are up there eating pizza with extra crispy crust, having a polka party with all of their friends and family. Grandpa, I’m proud to be “Stan the Barber’s granddaughter” and I love you, always. 


Eulogy ²/x

Sometimes that solution was just to relax with a cold Pepsi and play a game of cards. 

My love of card games started when my cousins and I would take turns playing Speed with Grandpa, especially on summer mornings at his house. He would always make sure to get to Weber’s extra early so that he had an apricot coffee cake, or when we were younger, a sugar twist for me, and a chocolate covered donut for Dawn. Summers especially got hectic at my grandparents house, with all us grandkids off from school and often having Angela, Stan and Jo here for long spurts of their summer vacations, too. The house often, affectionately, became referred to as “Grand Central Station”. But no matter how much commotion grandpa came home to after work, he was always happy to see so much of his family in one place. 

As we all grew older and moved around, Tuesday Night Dinner was my favorite excuse to go visit my grandparents when I moved back after college. They were always unofficial, but somehow, it would end up as a full house any given random Tuesday night. After cleaning up dinner, we would sit and play cards for a couple hours. In more recent years, I desperately tried to learn to play pinochle, which I never really caught on to, many people can verify. It was probably more frustrating for my grandpa than a treat to play with me, but quickly I realized that cribbage was where it was at. He secretly shared that it was his favorite game, and, boy, was I chuffed when he said I was doing well. 

Eulogy ¹/x

My grandfather, Grandpa Stas, more commonly known as “Stan the Barber” was one of the best souls I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. 

Stan the Barber was an icon in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. It was hard to find someone who didn’t know him. As a kid growing up, going to St. Dan’s, somehow people always knew who I was, because of him. Boys at school would always say, “you’re Stan the Barber’s granddaughter!” He always had photos of his family up in the barber shop, and would brag about all of us. But really, I was the one that was proud. I wore that label with pride. 

I was fortunate enough to go to school just down the street, for over 8 years, and have my grandma babysit me and my cousin Kimberly. We would love going to see grandpa at work, whether it was for fist fulls of double bubble and dum-dums, or grandma and I to drop off lunch for him, or just for me to hang out and play cards with him on a slow day. If you were lucky enough to be able to drop in the shop unexpectedly, often you were greeted with a, “do you remember who this is?!” and after a few moments of sweating, he’d name an old friend or acquaintance who you hadn’t seen in decades, but Stan the Barber remembered EVERYONE. He loved when customers would come home for the holidays and visit the shop for last minute hair cuts, where he would get to catch up with them for a few minutes, to hear updates about their lives. 

Whether you crossed paths with my grandpa for a moment, a season, or walked with him for a lifetime, he had a way of making everyone feel special and seen. Even after he retired, he maintained friendships with so many folks that would come in the shop. I would say customers, but they were always more than that. He would always ask about my friends that he hadn’t seen or heard about in a long time, and genuinely cared about everyone. Always offering a helping hand or word of advice, or a solution. 

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joys.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rain fall soft upon your fields,
and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hallow of His hand.
☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I’ve now found peace at the end of day.

Jubilee and her great grandpa playing checkers.

Grandchildren and great grandchildren following in faith.

Mom and Grandpa at his birthday party in September 

We will never forget the Happy Birthday parties for Brooke. Stan was a very kind and warm hearted man.  We always enjoyed visiting with him on these special occasions.  Jeff and I extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Podlasek and extended families. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you all.   
Carol and Jeff Hall.


I always enjoyed going to get a haircut from Stan. He was a great friend to me. We always had great conversations. We talked about food and restaurants, sports and family. When he was finished cutting my hair, after paying him, we would stand and continue our conversation at the door. His comment when our conversation eventually ended was always, "Keep moving." 

Sue your dad was a great man. I still  think fondly of sitting on your front porch and talking. As I got older I was impressed how your parents never eased dropped on our conversations and trusted us. I am sorry for your loss. They don't make them like your Dad anymore.  I know God has your Dad in the palm of his hand and is probably about to give Jesus a little trim.

My Uncle Stash was much more than an uncle to me.  He was a father figure and friend who treated me as a son.  He was Always nice to me, kind and Never judgemental.  I'm so glad I got the opportunity to tell him what an impact he made in my life.  The last words I said to him before leaving, " uncle I love you as if you were my dad".

Uncle Stash was my godfather, and we shared a birthday. He was so nice to me when I was a kid. All through 1st and 2nd grade he took me to school at St Bruno’s, picked me up after school and at the end of his  workday at Podlasek’s Tavern he brought me home to my family.  I spent everyday after school with my grandmother at Podlasek’s.  In those days kids at Catholic school had to sell “chances” as a school fundraiser. Uncle Stash always helped me sell my chances to the patrons at Podlasek’s. As an adult  I remember how pleasantly surprised I was to discover that we had a common interest in Edgar Cayce. I feel very lucky and honored to have had him as my uncle and godfather. 
Thank you Uncle Stash.

Stanley was such a huge piece of history in the Garfield Ridge area and will be missed by many. Please accept condolences from the former City NewsHound and Journal News staff -- Sue Malone, Harry Galinski (also owner of former Personal Sound Hearing), Julia Ferrel, and Linda Zalinsky. Stanley was a huge supporter of his community newspapers. We will remember him. May he Rest in Peace and join his beautiful wife for all eternity.

My favorite Saint, Martin de Porres, who Uncle Stosh told me about (& Edgar Casey, whom I still study) at the age of 11 in his barber shop.

Much heartfelt respect, love and appreciation for his guidance, love & for being such an important role model.

I know my father, Harold W Davis  adored him & Uncle Stosh was his “favorite family member, who everyone liked” to quote him.

May the perpetual Light shine upon His soul, as he rests in loving paradise for a job so well done.

With respect, love & appreciation for a lifetime of service to God, family & so many others,

Lovingly,

Richard Paul Davis (his godchild)
& Marianne Deacon-Davis

Respect, love & blessings from his Godchild —

Richard Paul Davis
(& Marianne) from Crystal Lake, IL

Stanley Podlasek, Good MAN, Great Story Teller, Kind Words of People!!! Fantastic BARBER, only Knew of Stanley for about five years, when I visited his SHOP for a haircut. He now joins His Wife, and his Friend Henry(Hank)  Lesniak in Heaven!!! Good Bye MY Friend!!!  RJC..

OBITUARY

Stanley "Stas" J. Podlasek

September 25, 1927 – November 4, 2022

Ridge Funeral Home

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