Udell Podliska, 84, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the Columbus Community Hospital.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 AM at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Pastors Doug and Liana Holt officiating.  Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer/Memory Sharing Service at the funeral home.  Visitation will continue on Thursday from 10:00 AM until service time also at the funeral home.  Interment will be in the Columbus Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to those of family choice.

Udell James Podliska was born December 29, 1940, in Norfolk, Nebraska, to James "Jim" and Dorothy (Elsner) Podliska.  He was raised on the farm and graduated from Kramer High School in 1958.  During his senior year he met Jeraldine "Jeri" Harris and the two high school sweethearts married on September 15, 1962, in Platte Center, Nebraska.  They celebrated their 60th anniversary with family and friends in 2022 with the renewal of their wedding vows.  To this union Kirt, Dan, Kim, and Lyndell were born.  His children were everything to him.  He believed in hard work, with his favorite scripture "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  This helped him through the hardships and trials he went through - all without complaining.

Integrity could be what really defined him, as he followed Jesus and always kept his word.  He worked on the farm until his early 50's when he was involved in a serious farm accident.  This changed his course and he and Jeri moved to Norfolk.  With his experience driving a semi-truck he obtained a job at Affiliated Foods as a semi driver, delivering food to surrounding states.  He was proud to be known as a "professional driver".  He worked there until his retirement.

Udell was not a man to "not" be working.  He began working for Green Fiber, a recycling place.  In 2018 the decision was made to move back to Columbus where they would be closer to family members.  Again, a man with the motto "work is my hobby", and his knowledge of recycling, he helped to establish "Keep Columbus Beautiful".  Udell was still proudly doing this at the age of 80, when another life-changing event took place, a major stroke.

At the time of his peaceful departure to his heavenly home, Udell was residing at Brookstone Acres.  He was quickly loved by staff because of his non-complaining, pleasant demeanor.

He is survived by:
Wife – Jeraldine "Jeri" Podliska of Columbus, NE
Son – Kirt (Chris Korth) Podliska of Central City, NE
Son – Dan (Marcia) Podliska of Columbus, NE
Daughter – Kim (Brett) Dettmann of Logan, IA
Son – Lyndell (Susan) Podliska of Columbus, NE
12 Grandchildren
24 Great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by:
Parents – Jim and Dorothy Podliska
Great Granddaughter – Charli Podliska
Sister – Carol Henn