Michael Franklin Podolske

Michael F. “Doc” Podolske, aged 80, passed away November 4, 2020 at the Cottages of Madison in Madison, with his family and caregivers by his side. Mike was born on January 14, 1940, in Watertown, to Edward and Ethel (Kopp) Podolske. Mike graduated from Watertown High School in 1958 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1964. Mike was an accomplished sprinter at Watertown High School in the 440-yard dash and the mile relay, setting several track records. The Gosling senior received several scholarship offers and chose to stay in-state at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue his two passions: track and pharmacy. Mike competed on the Badger track team as a freshman before devoting his time to his studies. Mike may have moved away from Watertown after college, but he never left. Throughout adulthood, his favorite summer tradition was connecting with his high school classmates at the annual Riverfest celebration at Riverside Park in Watertown. Mike married Judith Humphrey in 1965, and they raised two children (Tim and Dawn). Mike and Judy later divorced and remained friends until the end of his life. Mike married Kerry Schiro in 1991. Mike thoroughly enjoyed working as a retail pharmacist for more than 50 years throughout Wisconsin, with stops in Oconomowoc, Stevens Point, Brown Deer, Madison, Dodgeville, and several other locations. He retired in 2015. Mike was proud to be the first pharmacist hired by Walmart in the state of Wisconsin. Mike was a Badger and Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed taking his family to Badger and Packer football games. Mike also enjoyed traveling, especially to Denver, Colorado and Montana with family, and to Arizona with his friends. “Doc” was so grateful for his extended family of friends at Alt ‘n’ Bach’s and the Rustic Tavern. The forever Badger loved sitting on the Union Terrace with his wife, Kerry, or with his daughter, Dawn. Mike loved watching Badger football games live at Camp Randall Stadium, and particularly enjoyed them during the notorious “Portage Plumber” years. Mike lived with Alzheimer’s the last five years of his life. The disease may have robbed Mike of his ability to retain new memories and the names of all the wonderful caregivers at the Cottages of Madison, but it was not successful in stealing Mike’s kind, easygoing nature. He charmed the night attendants during his nocturnal wanderings, and the family is ever grateful for the good care they provided. Mike was content at his new home, except for the occasional moment when he thought someone had stolen his car. Mike was forever a social butterfly, and would positively light up when he reminisced with his “buddy boys” John Buckland, Bernie Pierce, and Gene Simpson. Mike is survived by his wife, Kerry, and her extended family; his two children from his first marriage, Tim (Lisa) of Madison and Dawn (Nick Davis) of Missoula, Montana; grandsons Mathew and Zak Podolske of Madison, and Finneas Davis of Missoula; a sister, Patricia (John) Basche of Eau Claire; his first wife, Judith Podolske of Madison, and her extended family; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and close friends John Buckland, Bernie Pierce, and Gene Simpson. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Ethel; step-parents Margaret Podolske and Robert Oesterich; sisters Jean Anne, Kathleen, Virginia; and brother Thomas. Mike wanted his friends to know that he appreciated their friendship and support. To his detractors, he wished “to let bygones be bygones.“ And to the world at large, he left this message: “GO BADGERS AND PACKERS!!!” The family wishes to thank everyone at the Cottages of Madison and Heartland Hospice for their loving care. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Mike’s name: UW Foundation - University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy Fund Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund Alzheimer’s Association