Thomas “Tom” Podhajsky

GARWIN-Thomas A. “Tom” Podhajsky, 81, of Garwin, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at his home under the care of Unity Point Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Tama with Father Christopher Podhajsky as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Clutier. Visitation will be held Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4-7 PM at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with a Divine Mercy Rosary to follow at 7 PM.

Tom was born on December 25, 1944, in Toledo, Iowa, to Albert and Lois (Vavra) Podhajsky.

Tom attended a one room country school at Carroll #5, rural Clutier. He graduated from North Tama High School in 1963. After graduation, Tom worked at Fisher Controls (Emerson) in Marshalltown until he was drafted by the Army in 1965. He served at Ft. Leonard Wood and then Quy Nhon, Vietnam until 1967.

On June 22, 1968, he was united in marriage to Victoryann Harris at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. They moved to Toledo and later to Garwin. Tom was a fertilizer applicator for Farm Service and drove truck for Bituminous Material and Supply. Tom purchased a semi and hauled miscellaneous materials. He operated heavy equipment for Hubert De Schamp Construction, Rielley Construction, Concrete Inc., and various rock quarries. He retired in 2009, and worked part time at the Elmwood Country Club in Marshalltown, Wandering Creek Golf Courses in Marshalltown, and Liqui-Grow in Traer.

Tom was a member of VFW in Cedar Falls, American Legion Post 71 where he was 3rd District Commander from 1998-1999. He received his fifty-year membership award. He was also a member of the Iowa Black Powder Federation. Tom served on the Garwin City Council and volunteered two to three times weekly to cook and serve meals for Post 71.

Tom’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, trap shooting, and making Tripod cookers for campfires.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Victoryann of Garwin; his daughter, Yvonne Podhajsky and her children, Gabe and Chloe Gardenier, Jasmin (Jim) Bossert and Ashley Gardenier; his son, Byron (Dawn) Podhajsky and their children, Lauryn and Katelyn; four great grandchildren; his siblings, David (Irene) Podhajsky of Clutier, and Michael Podhajsky of Albion; many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; and his cousin, Kathy Cocayne.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post #71 in Garwin, Iowa.