He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna Joyce Matzen-Poddig, his parents, Pauline and Henry Poddig, and his two brothers Richard and Tom.
He is survived by his loving children, Kathy (Rick) Morgan, Timothy (Teresa) Poddig, Kristy Gilmore-Poddig, Susan (Doug) Schlattman, 9 grandkids, Tracy Ziskosky, Kelsey Thomasson, T.J. Poddig, Nicole Templin, Lyndsay Quick, Weston Gilmore, Dillon Gilmore, Christian Schultheiss, Piper Ann Schultheiss, and 8 great grandkids.
Robert was a seasoned and regular hunter throughout his life. He loved hunting and fishing, and everything outdoors. He is a survivor of the great depression. Robert proudly served in the United States Navy, enlisting at the ripe age of 17. He became a WWII vet. For years he was active in several American Legion post. Robert graduated from Michigan State University in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in forest management. He would later work in major forest out west for a few years before returning to Michigan, where he would take up work as a plant manager for a furniture company in Grand Rapids. Robert was cut from the cloth that made his generation, truly the greatest. He was loved deeply, and he will be missed by many.
A visitation for Robert will be held Friday, February 26, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1200 Alpine Church Rd NW, Comstock Park, MI 49321, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Robert's memory may be made to Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505 US, https://www.michiganveterans.com/p/Grand-Rapids-Home-for-Veterans.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.reyersnorthvalleychapel.com for the Poddig family.
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Grand Rapids Home for Veterans3000 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505
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