Ernie Podhajsky, 80, of Traer, passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics of leukemia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Traer. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in rural Clutier. Visitation will be held Monday, June 4, 2018 from 4-7 PM at the St. Paul Catholic Church with a Rosary at 6:45 PM.

Ernest was born on November 7, 1937, on the family farm in Traer, Iowa, the son of James and Sylvia (Chalupnik) Podhajsky.

He attended Traer High School and graduated with the Class of 1956. Ernie attended Drake University for two years and then was in the Armed Services for two years. He came home and started farming on the family farm and was still farming and living there at the time of his death. The farm is a Century Farm where it has been in the family for over 100 years.

On June 22, 1974, he was united in marriage to Lillian Mrzena at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in rural Clutier, Iowa. They met at a dance in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Ernie was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Traer. He was a director on the Grundy County REC board for seventeen years, which he really enjoyed, retiring in 2013. Ernie enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and spending time with family and friends and especially with the "crew" from Chelsea.

Survivors include his wife of forty-three years, Lillian of Traer; one brother, Lawerance (Karen) of Traer; one sister, Marilyn (Bill) Weil of Golden, CO; cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and an infant brother.

Memorials may be directed to the family or a memorial of your choice.