Richard Pody

Richard "Rick" Alan Pody, aged 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 at his home in Wausau, WI. He was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2016 and his family cared for him at home until the time of his passing.

Rick was born on April 8, 1959 in Beloit, WI, to the late John and Marie Pody. On July 26, 1986 he married Denise Diehls, his one and only, at St. Jude's Catholic church in Beloit.

Rick graduated from Beloit Catholic High School where he enjoyed playing the french horn in the band. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Rock County, where he met his wife, Denise. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor's degree in education. He went on to complete an additional degree in Special Education and a Masters degree in education from UW-Stevens Point. Rick worked as a teacher for nearly 30 years, dedicating 23 years at Wausau East High School in the special education department. During this time, he also enjoyed leading the stage crew, working with the marching band, advising in the Trap and Skeet club, and coaching middle school girls basketball and high school boys wrestling.

In the community, Rick was a member and officer at the Wausau Elks Lodge Chapter 248, where he and Denise often had drinks and dinner with close friends and participated in bowling leagues. As a dedicated educator, he also served on the Teachers' Union as part of the negotiations team.

Rick was a well-known sports FANatic, especially when it came to his Minnesota Vikings and Michigan Wolverines. He also loved to cheer for the Oklahoma Sooners and Wisconsin Badgers where his children attended university.

Rick spent much of his childhood and young adult years at his family cabin in Lyndon Station, WI with his 3 brothers and 3 sisters, where they enjoyed all types of hunting, climbing the bluff, and building forts. He and his family built a cabin of their own in Rusk County, WI in 2000 where they enjoyed hunting, playing cards (especially Euchre), talking around the fire, and going on long walks with a cup of coffee and their dogs. Many nights at "deer camp" were spent with Rick sharing his many childhood stories with his own children. In addition to being an avid hunter, Rick and his family also had fun together participating in various archery leagues and tournaments.

An adoring fan of all things musical, Rick enjoyed attending concerts (Rolling Stones, Ted Nugent, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath, to name a few), being part of Madrigal singers at UW-Rock County, singing in weddings and musical theater with his wife Denise, and making up silly lyrics while singing songs at home or in the car.

In the years following his diagnosis, Rick crossed off several bucket-list items with his family as they traveled to Ireland, where he poured and drank the best Guiness of his life, and northern California and stood under Half Dome and the giant redwoods.

Rick was always known for his quick wit and sense of humor, as well as his incredible kindness and generosity toward every person he crossed paths with. He deeply cared for all of his students and friends, and loved spending as much time as possible with his family. He supported his kids in every endeavor and relished sharing their achievements and accomplishments with everyone who would listen.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Denise Pody (63); his three children, Richard "Rickie" (Nikki) Pody (33), Rachel Pody (31) and Claire (fiance Justin) Pody (29); brothers Louis (Bonnie) Pody, John (Christine) Pody, Thomas (Cristal) Pody; sisters Marianne (Randy) Renley, Jacalyn (Thomas) Wright, Janis (Patrick) Buttner; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Marie Pody and his nephew Christopher Pody.

The funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Wausau, WI. Father Samuel Martin and Deacon Michael Maher will preside. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the services. Burial will be held at a later date.

If preferred, in lieu of flowers or gifts, his family welcomes you to make donations in his name to the Association of Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD) (www.theaftd.org) or the National Aphasia Association (NAA) (https://aphasia.org/).

Brainard Funeral Home-Wausau is assisting Rick's family.