Jeffrey M. Podjasek
Jeffrey Michael Podjasek, 54, of Chicago, at rest March 17, 2024. Beloved son of Kathy (Gary) Niebuhr and Jeffrey (Vicki) Podjasek; loving brother of Scott (Tammy) Podjasek and Lexi (Manny) Inzunza; dearest uncle of Madison and Connor. Jeff was a force to be reckoned with – unapologetically himself. Fun, smart, witty, sarcastic, creative, articulate, charismatic, persistent, opinionated, loyal and loved with his whole GIANT heart. All of this was reflected in his writing, storytelling and memories made with family and friends. Jeff’s life blood was the beach and his family will have the city dedicate a bench in his honor. He spent his life watching the sunrise…every day he would wake up and watch the sun rising over the water. With Jeff’s desire to be an organ donor, Gift of Hope worked with his family to insure he was able to improve the lives of over 75 recipients. A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be held Friday March 22, 2024 from 1-4:30 P.M. at the Lake Ellyn Boat House 645 Lenox Road Glen Ellyn. Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Downers Grove. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com. Memorials may be made to Gift of Hope Community Foundation 425 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca IL 60143 or foundation@giftofhope.org. Any monetary gifts given to the family will be put towards Dedicate a Bench through the Chicago Parks Foundation to commemorate Jeff’s love of the lake shore.
“I’ve garnered what I could, but to successfully accumulate that sort of wealth, one has to keep ledgers. I don’t. Never have…. So I don’t know what I have. I’ve left my stories to the wind. Unencumbered I fly. Today it feels like flying.” – Jeff Podjasek
He was probably the first person to greet me when I moved onto Eastlake Terrace fifteen years ago, along with his old doggy buddy Blood. He represented the Chicago I felt I missed in my youth, did all the crazy things I did, or would have done. Even in winter with the windows closed, I’d be reading in the living room and I could hear his booming jolly voice telling hilarious stories out in the neighborhood. That time he put on a wet suit in February, lowered himself over the thick berm onto his SUP board, and explored the hidden-away snow and ice cathedrals facing the lake Generous, always happy to see you… sat vigil over me more than once, and when my nieces and nephew came to stay with me and I didn’t have enough room for them all, he took in my nephew for a couple of nights. Gave an excellent toast to the lassies on Bobby Burns Day. Looked better than I did in my Anne of Green Gables straw hat and pigtails. Remember, Jeff, that Halloween night when we set off a whole box of fireworks all at once?–couldn’t have been me, I was dressed as a madman in a strait jacket. So long, buddy. Missing you so much.
My nephew Jeff was an amazing human being, a joy to be around. He was a very compassionate person, a kindred spirit, a zest for life. As a young child I gave him the nickname, “Mad Dog” meant in complimentary way. A booming voice, a wonderous, infectionous laugh, a glorious sense of humor. Jeff had a bank of amazing adventures and stories that spread laughs and insight. He was a fabulous and entertaining storyteller. A passionate intellect, and a commitment to his beliefs, projects, especially to charities. He touched and enriched many lives. My nephew will be missed by many, me and my family mourn his passing, fortunately our family is a circle of strength and love. Every crisis faced together, we pray will make the circle stronger. Wherever a beautiful soul like Jeff has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories….I cherish them all. RIP with grandma by your side dear nephew.
Remembering the few conversations we had with a warmth of heart. Kathie and family my heart breaks for and with you. Only the peace of God and the Holy Spirit will carry you through. Jeff what a view of the earth you will have each morning sitting by the ocean of heaven.
Jeff was a soul that we all wished we could be – full of life and bursting at the seams. I had the pleasure of working with him on a project where he contributed to the success with grace and smile. Breaks my heart to know the world has lost someone like Jeff. My condolences to all his friends and family and the people who made the pleasure of knowing him.