Steve Thomas Podrovitz

Steve Thomas Podrovitz, son of Stefan Podrovitz and Ola (Slaton) Podrovitz, was born September 12, 1943, in Quanah, Texas.  He attended Quanah High School met the girl next door, Jan, of 53 years. Steve served in the US Navy from 1961-1965, serving aboard the USS Mt Baker AE-4 in a fleet in the South Pacific during the Vietnam conflict.  He was a golden shellback crossing the equator during which time he was stationed in Iwakuni Japan, Okinawa Japan,  Subic Bay Philippines,  Honolulu Hawaii, and Treasure Island prior to his completion of service.

Once Steve left Texas, Steve worked in law enforcement for 43 years before retiring as a Captain. After retiring from law enforcement, he had an extremely active retirement.  Steve proudly served Miles James American Legion Post 489, where he successfully revived the Bingo program and looked forward to working monthly events.  Steve took great pride in carrying the banner in the annual parades as well as working diligently to make sure all the veteran’s graves in Leakey, Texas were decorated with flags for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.  Steve's greatest accomplishment took him 5 years but was a mission that he proudly accomplished.  Steve put in countless hours for years sitting alongside Texas Hgwys 335,336, 337 and 83 with a coffee can collecting donations.  After 5 years he successfully collected the goal of $10,000 to build a monument to pay tribute to fallen local soldiers from Real Country who went off to war and were MIA/KIA and never returned.  This monument stands on the steps of the courthouse of Real Country in Leakey, Texas. 

Steve was a life member of AF&AM Quanah Lodge #689, a Life member of Leakey Lodge #622 where he served as Past Master and secretary for 13 years.  He was a member of Rocksprings Lodge #758, was a 32nd degree Mason of ASAR Valley of St. Louis Scottish Rite as well as a member of Moolah Shrine of the Shriners Children's hospitals where he served in the horse patrol. Steve participated in "Take time to read" programs for the Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas and he received 'The Golden Trowel Award" the highest lodge award given to a Freemason from a lodge in the state of Texas for a lifetime of dedication to philanthropy and serving his community. 

Anyone who knew Steve knew the true love of his life was his basset hounds.  Steve started with Fred, whom he took everywhere in the squad car with him.  Over the years he would drive around Leakey with Herschel, Chopper, Wilson, and Mr. T.  Steve leaves behind his buddy, Ginger and a Russian blue cat named Smokey.

Steve and his wife, Jan, moved to Spencer, Iowa in March of 2017.  Steve absolutely hated the cold and snow, but loved and adored his only grandchildren, Stefan and Audrey Kirk, and made the most of his two years in Iowa attending various concerts, plays, parades, etc. that his grandkids participated within.  He was the glue that held our family together. You could call him any time of day with any problem and always had a solution, he'd even tell you how stupid you were if you had it coming.

Steve will be remembered by all who knew him for his razor blade of quick-witted common sense. He never met a stranger he didn’t want to talk to or a dog he didn't want to pet. He loved his country and was known as the (flag police). He was notorious for giving you certificates from the American Legion if your flag was flown correctly and he'd lecture you if it wasn't. He was active in the Lions Club, Legion and Masonic lodge, a very proud Navy Viet Nam Veteran and spent years as a secretary of various organizations cause only (He) could do the job right.

Steve passed away Wednesday, December 11, 2019, in his home at the age of 76.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Mary Ellen, Mae Spradlin, and Patricia Belcher.

He is survived by Janice Sue (Johns) Podrovitz of Spencer, Iowa; his children, Stefanie (David) Kirk of Ruthven, Iowa and Tomas (Heidi) Podrovitz of Abingdon, Illinois; two grandchildren, Stefan and Audrey Kirk, brothers Johnny (Roxy) Podrovitz of Black Forest, Colorado, George Wayne (Diane) Podrovitz of Abilene, Texas; sister Ann Harmon of Quanah, Texas; as well as many other relatives and friends.

It is Jan’s wishes to arrange a full Masonic and Military memorial in the spring to allow family from Texas to travel.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve’s name to the Cancer Society or People for Pets in Spencer, Iowa. 

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