Obituaries
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Viola Gonder, age 80, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Aurora Medical Center-Kenosha surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Council Bluffs, IA on September 30, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Ralph W. and Helen E. (Riepe) Watkins. She attended local schools and Thompson School of Beauty in IA.
On September 1, 1962, she was united in marriage to Emmet Gonder in Red Oak, IA. Their union was blessed with 60 years of marriage.
She was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.
Viola was employed as Executive Assistant and Secretary for several Chicago entities until her retirement. Also, before her retirement, she was self employed as an Interior Decorator for a few years.
During her high school years, Viola received a Singer sewing machine as a graduation gift and made her own wedding dress. She enjoyed quilting which won her 3 ribbons. She was a member of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild, Northside Library book club and St. Matthew’s book club and the women’s group at First United Methodist Church. Viola and her husband moved from Galesburg, IL to Kenosha in 2018.
Viola is survived by her loving husband, Emmet; and her children, Beth (Jake Peterson) Gonder of Chicago, IL, and Craig (Stephanie) Gonder of Tinley Park, IL; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, extended family and numerous friends.
In addition to her parents, Viola was preceded in death by her sister, Sylvia Watkins.
Service Date September 30, 2023
SERVICE LOCATION St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
Memorial services honoring Viola’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 5900 7th Ave, Kenosha, WI., and on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 120 N. Kellogg St, Galesburg, IL 61401.
A gathering of relatives and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 120 North Kellog St, Galesbrg, IL.
