Anthony Thomas Poderzay, age 92, lifelong resident of Soudan died Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 at his home. He was born January 4, 1922, in Soudan the son of Anton and Caroline (Erchul) Poderzay. He graduated from Tower-Soudan High School. A Veteran of the US Army, Tony served as part of the 754th Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theatre during WWII. Tony was united in marriage to Eileen V. Avikainen on September 27, 1947, in St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tower.
Tony worked as a blaster in the Soudan Mine, the Pioneer Mine in Ely, and as head Blaster at US Steel, Minntac until his retirement in 1983. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church, the KSKJ Lodge, VFW Post # 1539 in Babbitt, the Nelson-Jackson American Legion Post #245 in Tower, and the Knights of Columbus in Ely. He enjoyed playing accordion with his brothers and sisters, hunting and fishing. Tony is survived by his daughters: Antoinette (Stanley) Petroskey of Soudan, and Margaret (Jeff) Lecy of St. Paul, MN; five grandchildren: Jeannine Petroskey, Michael (Mandi) Petroskey, Chad Lecy, Kristin (James) Nelson, and Anthony Lecy; a brother: four great-grandchildren: Jared and Taryn Grahek, Maddie Gornick, and Erin Petroskey; a brother: Thomas Poderzay of Soudan; a sister: Theresa (Frank) Galaski of Virginia; his best friend: Lucille Svatos; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: his wife: Eileen; two sisters: Caroline and Pauline; and three brothers: Joe, Robert, and Leonard.
Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial Monday, March 10, 2014, at St. Martin's Catholic Church in Tower. Fr. Seth Gogolin will be the celebrant. Military honors will be accorded by Local Veteran's Groups. Casketbearers will be Anthony's Grandchildren.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower. To express condolences on-line please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Monday March 10, 2014 , 10am - 11am

St. Martin's Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial

Monday March 10, 2014 , 11 am

St. Martin's Catholic Church

Interment

Lakeview Cemetery