Gerald "Jerry" Anthony Poduska

Gerald "Jerry" Anthony Poduska was born in Spencer, Iowa on September 25, 1952. On January 30, 2014 he joined his parents, Dennis & Dolores Poduska, his wife Colleen Poduska and many other relatives in heaven. As friends and family respond to our loss, there is one theme that is continuous. Jerry made them smile. Jerry made them laugh. How blessed we were to know and love him. Jerry leaves behind his best friend and partner, Angela Ramdass, daughter Jennifer Blanco, son-in-law Travis Blanco, his cherished granddaughters: Kayleen & Katelynn, all from Fort Collins, CO, sisters Denise Poduska Tedore and her husband Dave from Cedar Falls, Iowa and Lori Poduska Day and her husband Jon from Chanhassen, MN. His nieces and nephews will miss their uncle and friend. These family members held a very special place in his heart: Shelly & Josh Wessels, Brad & Jen Johnson, Joe and Brie Day and Jeff Day. Gerald also left behind his extended family in Trinidad and Tobago, who had loved and cherished him every day for the past 16 years. Jerry was Angela's soul mate and he will forever be in her heart. They loved to travel with their dogs and enjoyed going to the mountains, working and visiting with everyone at the Farmer's Markets, and going to the movies. They created a warm and loving home for their family in Colorado and for everyone in Angela's family who came to live and visit. Angela and Gerald fed off each other's joy, and that joy illuminated him from the day they met. Jerry loved his daughter Jenny more than life itself. They were inseparable and had a father and daughter bond that was very special. He loved her husband Travis and often commented what a wonderful husband and father he was. Travis and Jenny blessed him with two beautiful granddaughters, Kayleen and Katelynn. Having them live so close that they could come "just up the street" to see Grandpa was a gift he cherished. Kayleen loved having chocolate ice cream with her grandpa and he loved singing to Katelynn over the phone. The family promises to keep the memories of their wonderful Grandpa alive for each of them as they grow up. Jerry earned his BS degree from Iowa State University and his Master's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado. He spent his life pursuing his passions. He wrote for and created sports publications throughout the Midwest, he worked in sales throughout his life and used that experience to work along with Angela in creating great food and sauces in their restaurants, with a Trinidadian flair from Angela's home. He will be remembered for his rambunctious nature and all the smiles he gave to people at the Caribbean Food Shack in Fort Collins. He loved to travel. His favorite place to visit was Las Vegas, he spent his last birthday there with Angela and their dogs. He also loved traveling with friends and family like Angela's brother Ricky, whenever he would visit for Thanksgiving. He had a tremendous passion for sports. This cannot be overstated. You could count on him to know every stat about the Iowa State Cyclones, New York Yankees, Denver Broncos, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Colorado Avalanche. It is also important to note that Gerald had the answers for most coaching and referring errors in almost every professional sport. He loved to read biographies, he loved music, and he loved the movies. He was a consumer of our culture and his knowledge was deep enough that it was nearly impossible to win an argument with him, even if you were right. Still while these things were his passions, family and friends were his priority. Jerry had a special way of adding joy to every moment. You could call him with a difficult issue and you would hang up laughing. He could change the outlook of your day in an instant. He was the "go to" person when you needed guidance and help. Most of all, he was the one in the family that made us smile and made us laugh. What a beautiful gift he gave to us each and every day. How blessed we are to have loved him and to have him love us. Those who wish may view Jerry between 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at Blessed John 23 University Center, 1220 University Ave.