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 August 7, 2023
Memorial services honoring Viola’s life will be held at a later date.
