Elsie J (Treike) Podcasy

Elsie J. (Treike) Podcasy100, of Mountain Top, formerly of Wilkes-Barre, passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Mountain Top Senior Care.

Born in Germany on January 26, 1916, she was a daughter of the late Augusta Treike. Elsie worked as a beautician in Berlin and married her first husband, Werner Marquardt, in 1934. World War II began for Germany on September 1, 1939. Werner fought in the Germany Army and was declared missing in action on March 18, 1944 and officially declared dead on March 13, 1948.

While Elsie was living in Berlin and sharing an apartment with other German women, they found themselves surrounded by German, Russian and American troops, which subjected them to many dangers. It was during this stage of Elsie’s life that she met her late second husband, Andrew J. Podcasy, an American podiatrist serving with the United States Troops.

Elsie left Germany and came to the United States where she and Andrew were married in July of 1952 in New Mexico. Wherever Andrew was stationed, Elise resided with him. In May of 1956, Elsie was issued a certificate of naturalization at the federal courthouse in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Elsie and Andrew eventually settled in Wilkes-Barre, where she once again worked as a beautician. She also brought her dear mother, Augusta over from Germany. She joined St. John’s Lutheran Church, Wilkes-Barre, where she enjoyed singing in the choir. With a love of music, she often played the organ at her home. Elsie also enjoyed walking to and from downtown Wilkes-Barre, being an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels and working for the American Red Cross.

She was a delight to be with. Elsie was dear friends with Marion Frantz and Louise Robinson and would often travel together, along with Lousie’s sister, Mildred Heffelfinger. Their trips included Myrtle Beach, Hawaii and Nova Scotia.  She was a dear friend to everyone who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 1:00 P.M. from Kniffen O’Malley Leffler Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 465 S. Main St. Wilkes-Barre. Family and friends may visit from 12:00-1:00 P.M. Reverend Peter Kuritz will be officiating.

Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, next to her mother, Augusta.

Condolences may be sent to www.kniffenfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army, 17 South Pennsylvania Ave, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701 or the S.P.C.A. of Luzerne County, 524 East Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.