Emma Lou "Lu" Podrasky

Emma Lou “Lu” Podrasky, 95, of Wood Dale and Melrose Park, died November 13, 2023, at Elmhurst Hospital, after a brief illness. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 20 at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Holy Ghost, 254 N. Wood Dale Road, in Wood Dale, Illinois.

Emma Lou Dennis was born December 14, 1927, in Eldorado, Illinois. She was the second youngest of ten children. Lu married Cyril M. “Cy” Podrasky. They spent most of their married life in Melrose Park, where they raised their two children. After her husband’s untimely death from cancer in 1985, Lu moved to Wood Dale, where she spent the ensuing years devoted to her passions of ballroom dancing and bridge. Lu was an innately gifted dancer who taught ballroom dancing in park district classes she held every year for decades. Many couples came to her to learn dancing in preparation for their weddings and other occasions. Lu was also a bridge player of high caliber and mentored many bridge enthusiasts. She loved playing the harmonica, reading novels and finished crossword puzzles by the dozen. Before her later years slowed her down a step, she was also a frequent bowler and golfer. Lu was an inspiring cook and baker and loved to entertain. She was also an excellent seamstress, making most of her own dresses, as well as blankets, quilts and afghans that became treasured items for her family and friends. Lu was a devout Catholic and was a parishioner for many years at Church of the Holy Ghost, Wood Dale.

Lu was preceded in death by her husband; her son, Mark S. Podrasky; and many brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda L. Baltsen (Richard); grandchildren, Carrie B. Landsman (Daniel); Scott R. Baltsen (Jennifer); Stephen Podrasky (Heather); Anthony Podrasky and Joseph Podrasky; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler Baltsen, Adam Landsman and Eli Landsman.

Lu touched many lives in her long journey and will be greatly missed.