Hans Podehl

November 11, 1929 - April 11, 2022

Mr. Hans Podehl, age 92, of Spring Lake, passed away Monday, April 11, 2022. He was born November 11, 1929, in Detroit to Hans and Auguste (Thiel) Podehl. On October 28, 1950, he married Shirley “Dee” Ferguson. Hans was a member of Spring Lake Presbyterian Church where he served several times as elder, and was head usher. After working for the Ottawa County Road Commission for over 35 years, he retired in 1992. Hans started as a surveyor’s aide and advanced to Superintendent of Road Maintenance where he pioneered the inter-county loan of road maintenance equipment for emergencies. After this accomplishment Hans became The President of the Superintendents Association of Michigan. He was a past president of the Spring Lake Lions Club, Cubmaster of Troop 3054 for many years, and was on the Spring Lake Township Board of Review. He also served as an election worker for many years. Hans enjoyed reading the newspaper, traveling, and was devoted to taking care of his family. He will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Shirley “Dee”; three children: Paul (Carrie) Podehl of Madison, WI, Eric (Peggy) Podehl of Big Rapids, Dr. Lynn (Michael) Nevin of Fremont; daughters-in-law, Merey Podehl of Spring Lake and Linda Traynor of Spring Lake; five grandchildren: Kellie (David) Hardenbergh, Emily (Andy) Barger, Christopher (Meredith) Podehl, Nicholas (Erin) Podehl and Jacob Nevin; six great-grandchildren: Jason and Megan, Lutessa and Helena, Henry and Maeve; sister, Irene Beilmann; and niece, Charlotte Podehl. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Bernie Beilmann. The family would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to the staff and directors of the Newaygo Medical Care Facility in Fremont for the exceptional and compassionate care provided to Hans and his family. We would also like to thank The Little Red House and Marti Simeon for their loving care that supported efforts that enabled Hans to remain comfortably at home as long as possible. A memorial service will be at 2:00 PM Saturday, April 16, 2022, at Spring Lake Presbyterian Church with Rev. Daniel Anderson officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 PM Friday, April 15, 2022, at The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Hans may be given to Love in Action or Spring Lake Presbyterian Church. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.