Hedwig Erika Podabinski 72, of St. Paul passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at her daughters home in Cambridge.
Erika was born on June 26, 1941 in Karlsruhe, Germany to Julius and Wilhelmina Auchter. She grew up in Germany and graduated from high school there. She remained in Germany and she met an American soldier who was stationed there, Raymond Podabinski. The two were married on June 6, 1962. They had two daughters, Petra and Cindy. They lived a time in Germany and moved to the United States in 1964. The family lived in several different places before finally moving to Cambridge. Erika worked at Tension Envelope and Wells Fargo for many years, and various other jobs and would eventually make her home in St. Paul. She retired from Wells-Fargo in 2007.
Erika enjoyed traveling, fishing and visiting with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her favorite place to visit was Duluth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Johanna and Rita, former husband Raymond and cousin Gabi.
Erika is survived by her daughters Petra (Dale) Lindner of Cambridge, Cindy (Wes) Holschuh of Hinckley; five grandchildren Kathleen Lindner, Brian (Becky) Lindner, Victoria Holschuh, Jessica (Buddy) Quam, Warren Holschuh; nine great-grandchildren Isabelle, Amelia, Logan, Joy, Jack, Andie, Grace, Ava and Lynzie; brother Julius (Margarete); sister Maria (Werner) and brother-in-law Walter.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at the Isanti Community Center. Online condolences at www.carlsonlillemoen.com. Arrangements by Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Cambridge.