Patricia Dorothea Gondeck was born September 9, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Vernon and Dorothy (Hanley) Kamin. She grew up in Maywood, Illinois, where she graduated from Proviso East High School in 1949. As a gifted pianist, she attended the American Conservatory of Music, in Chicago, Illinois.
She met her future husband, James Gondeck, while they were both studying at the American Conservatory of Music. He had just returned from his service with the U.S. Navy in World War II. They were married January 13, 1951, in Maywood, Illinois. They then returned to Niles, Michigan, where James was raised and they both remained lifelong residents of Niles.
Patricia has two children; Kristine Lynch (Pierson, Michigan), and Timothy Gondeck (Niles, Michigan), and they survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years James, in 2001.
Patricia was a pioneer in female aviation, attaining her pilots license in 1956. She went on to obtain twin engine, commercial and instrument ratings as well as a float plane rating. She flew planes as a corporate pilot until 1974, flying out of Niles Airways as well as corporate planes for Tyler Refrigeration, Clark Equipment, and Kawneer Door companies, as well as many other flights, including those for pleasure.
During these years she also assisted James in running his fly fishing lure manufacturing company, Pop-Lur Co.
Patricia was a stay at home mom and and part time book keeper for Falhaber/Shaner in Niles, for several years after her flying career. In 1980 she went to work for the University of Notre Dame as an executive assistant for the Dean of Arts and Letters. She went on to be the executive assistant to the Associate Provost. She retired from the university in 1996.
After retirement she continued her love of travel, and was able to complete visiting every state with the exception of Hawaii, when she made it to Alaska on a cruise with James for their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001.
The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Terrance Longmeadow in Niles for the incredible care she received the last two years.
A public visitation will be held at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan 49120 at 10 AM, Thursday September 19, 2024. A funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.
Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Upcoming Services
Visitation
Thursday, September 19, 2024
10:00 – 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services
615 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 19, 2024
11:00am – 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services
615 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120
Burial
Thursday, September 19, 2024
1:00 – 1:30 pm (Eastern time)
Silverbrook Cemetery
1400 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120
Posted On: Tuesday, September 17, 2024 3:42 PM
