Patricia Dorothea Gondeck

Patricia Dorothea Gondeck, of Niles, died peacefully Friday, September 13, 2024, She was born September 30, 1931, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Vernon and Dorothy (Hanley) Kamin and grew up in Maywood, Illinois, graduating from Proviso East High School in 1949. 

As a gifted pianist, Patricia attended the American Conservatory of Music, in Chicago, Illinois, where she met her future husband, James Gondeck, while they were both studying there. He had just returned from serving honorably in the U.S. Navy during World War II. They were married January 13, 1951, in Maywood, Illinois, and returned to Niles, Michigan, where James was raised and where they remained as lifelong residents. After fifty years of marriage, James preceded her in death in 2001.

Patricia is survived by their two children; Kristine Lynch of Pierson, Michigan, and Timothy Gondeck of Niles, Michigan.

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. Patricia 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 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 the Associate Provost, retiring from the university in 1996.

After retirement Patricia continued her love of travel, and was able to complete visiting every state except for Hawaii. She and James made it to Alaska on a cruise for their fiftieth wedding anniversary in 2001.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodland Terrace Longmeadow in Niles for the incredible care she received the last two years.

Family and friends will gather in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, Thursday September 19, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Patricia be made to the Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street. Suite 800. Miami, Florida 33131.

Please share a memory of leave a message online: HalbritterWickens.com