Spread Eagle-Mathew R. Podnar, 86, of Spread Eagle, Wis., passed away Monday, May 8, 2017, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center, Iron Mountain, Mich. with his loving family by his side.

He was born July 12, 1930, in Florence, Wis., son of the late John and Anna (Spolarich) Podnar. Matt served in the Unites States Army from September of 1955 until his honorable discharge in September of 1957. He married Anna M. Taff on December 10, 1955, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. She preceded him in death on June 16, 2013.

Matt worked as a self-employed logger all of his life, retiring in 1995. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, spending time at camp, his annual wood cutting bee, and especially the time spent with his family.

He is survived by one son, Dennis (Karen) Podnar, Spread Eagle; five daughters, Debra (Harold) Bell, Jackie (Edward) Sleeter, Tammy (Patrick) Van Pembrook, Joie (Mark) Broullire, all of Aurora, Wis. and Cheryl Podnar, Stephenson, Mich.; fourteen grandchildren, Jessica (Bob), Danielle (Sam), Christopher (Lori), Travis, Kurtis (Stephanie), Terry, Eddie, Joe, Jim, Madison, Aiden, Michael, Bailey and Emma; seven great-grandchildren, Lexi, Daniella, Aubree, Carter, Dominic, Bennett, Easton; one future great-granddaughter on the way; loving caregiver, Laura Lucas; and many other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Matt was preceded in death by five brothers, Paul, John, Pete, Joe and Don Podnar; and two sisters, Joan Goerke and Francis Henry.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 16, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Tuesday, 11:00 a.m. at the church. Rev. Fr. Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Commonwealth. The VFW Post #3635, Florence, will accord military honors at graveside.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Matt or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, to honor Matt’s legacy of life.