Eugene A. Podrazik
1929 – 2023
USAR
KOR
Eugene “Gene” Anthony Podrazik was born on July 23, 1929, in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood to the late Peter and Katherine Rdzak Podrazik.
Podrazik served in the U.S Army in Germany during the Korean War, then resumed his education. With the support of his brother Wally, he graduated with a degree in English from DePaul University. He embarked on a writing/editing career with The Wall Street Journal, and specialized in reporting on commodities markets, under the mentorship of the late John McWethy. He then had a decades-long career in public relations at the Chicago Board of Trade, before retiring at age 72.
He met his wife Mary Liszka at a DePaul evening class where they studied Shakespeare together. They married on May 18, 1957 in Chicago, and moved to Barrington in 1971. Together they raised six children.
Podrazik taught his children a deep appreciation for music and literature, how to write and edit with confidence, and that laughter is indeed the best medicine. He took every opportunity to cheer for their children and grandchildren through their academic, sports, and performing arts pursuits. He loved working outdoors and landscaping, and he read extensively.
Gene A. Podrazik passed away on October 18, 2023, at his home in Barrington, and is buried in Evergreen Cemetery there.
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Remember. Honor. Teach.
Courtesy of Signal Hill Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
