Frederick Podlenski

Age 85 of Joliet, Illinois, formerly of Montague, Massachusetts, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet.

Born April 20, 1940 in Montague, MA, Frederick Henry was a son of Stanley and Ruth (Wilder) Podlenski. He was one of four children raised on the family farm in Montague where they raised cattle. Frederick graduated from high school and later completed a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering at The Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts. He later relocated his family to Illinois where he began his career with Stauffer Chemical Company in Joliet, providing over 30 years of dedicated service. In retirement, Frederick drove school buses for the Bolingbrook School District for several years until he formally retired.

He was a dedicated member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #300 in Joliet where he would showcase his love for cooking, always in the kitchen helping out where he could. Frederick also enjoyed being outdoors and took great pleasure in fishing. Whether it was a local spot, or the occasional trip to Wisconsin, he found great peace being out casting a line looking for that next great catch. Frederick also enjoyed football, but will mostly be remembered as a dedicated employee and dependable person. He tried his best to help others and be of aid to anyone who needed it, leaving behind a lasting legacy of a want to do good for others in this world.

Survivors include his children: Laura Podlenski of Wilmington and Kenneth Podlenski of San Diego, CA; as well as his step daughter, Jaime (Fletcher) Johnson of Texas; several nieces and nephews, and his former wife and mother of his children, Gail Podlenski of Joliet.

Frederick was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Penny Podlenski, and his brothers and sister: Richard, John, and Marguerite.

Cremation rites have been accorded and Frederick will be laid to rest back home in Massachusetts.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Frederick’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)