Patricia Gebeck

BUDA — Patricia K. “Pat” Gebeck, 79, of rural Buda passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton.

Patricia Kay Nelson was born Nov. 12, 1939, in Princeton, the daughter of Roger and Ruth (Sarver) Nelson. She graduated from Princeton High School in 1957. While in high school, Patricia had been a homecoming queen, a cheerleader and a member of the jazz band, where she played the saxophone. She continued to show her love and pride for PHS by organizing floats for the Homestead parade. Her class of 1957 won the Grand Marshal Award in 2012 with their ’50s-themed float.

Patricia married Frank Gebeck on Dec. 18, 1960, at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton.

Patricia graduated from Bradley University, Peoria, IL with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She began preparing tax returns in 1970. She became a certified public accountant in 1982. She built her own business, Patricia Nelson Gebeck, CPA. She was very dedicated and committed to her clients for 49 years. She would always go the extra mile for them. She enjoyed and had pride in having her son, Charles, work alongside of her.

Patricia was an active member of the Sheffield, Buda and Princeton communities. She was a member of First United Church of Christ in Sheffield, Eastern Star, Princeton Chamber of Commerce, as well as many professional associations. She had served on Western School District Board for 18 years and served as president from 1993 until 1995. She had also served on the Regional School District Board.

Patricia cherished family. She was the mother of the Rolling G’s family tumbling act in the ’70s. She enjoyed attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sports and music events. She would be found sitting in the bleachers keeping her own stats, often comparing her stats with the official scorer. She was an overall sports fan with a big love for NCAA basketball. She had a gift of keeping traditions alive, hosting holidays and entertaining in her home. She and all of her grandchildren treasured their annual shopping trip and spending time together. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and watching Hallmark movies. She was a strong woman with a competitive spirit, but most of all, she had a very generous heart.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Frank; two sons, Charles Gebeck of Princeton and William Gebeck of Buda; four daughters, Angella Hughes of Princeton, Melissa (Mark) Warzecha of Geneva, Jennifer (fiancée Robert Vaessen) Gebeck of Gurnee and Katherine (Michael) Pratt of Neponset; eight grandchildren, Frank Gebeck II, Danielle and Rebecca Hughes, Marissa Warzecha, and Hannah, Jennifer, Elizabeth and Ryan Pratt; one great-grandchild, Lorelle; a sister, Nancy (Marvin) Frank of Peru; and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, July 15, at the First United Church of Christ in Sheffield with the Rev. Martin Nussbaum and Gaile Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the Sheffield Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Patricia Nelson Gebeck Memorial Fund.

The Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. A video may be viewed and condolences may be expressed by visiting Patricia's obituary at www.stackhousemoore.com.