James E. Gondek

James E. Gondek, 78, of South Bend, Indiana passed away at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 3, 2018 in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  James was born on July 7, 1939 in South Bend, Indiana to Stanley and Bernice (Wrobleski) Gondek, and was a lifelong resident. 

He retired after thirty-four years from the South Bend Housing Authority as the Director of Maintenance. Following this, never one to be idle, Jim continued working in Maintenance at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Indiana for seven years.

On May 6, 1961, in Holy Family Church, he married Joan F. Sikorski, his life-long love, who survives.  He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dolores and John Kalil of South Bend, Indiana.  He will be greatly missed by his dearly loved nieces & nephew; Jean (Brendan) Crumlish, Karen Miller, and Joseph Kalil. Uncle Jim was always delighted and amused by the antics of his five grand-nieces: Kari, Kami, Kori, Vivian and Dot.

James was a 1956 graduate of John Adams High School. He served in the United States Army. Jim was known for his gentle spirit and quiet demeanor and his greatest pleasure was spent in a small boat on a peaceful lake.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. The care and compassion shown was truly the work of God’s Angels!

Visitation will be held from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, January 12th at Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 13, 2018 in Christ the King Catholic Church. A visitation will also be held prior to the mass from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Christ the King Church, Pet Refuge or the charity of the donor’s choice. To send online condolences, please visit kaniewski.com