Patricia Gebeck

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

Patricia Kay Nelson was born on November 12, 1939 in Princeton, IL, 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 50’s themed float.

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

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, 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 70’s.  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; sons, Charles Gebeck of Princeton and William Gebeck of Buda; daughters, Angella Hughes of Princeton, Melissa (Mark) Warzecha of Geneva, Jennifer (fiancée, Robert Vaessen) Gebeck of Gurnee, and Katherine (Michael) Pratt of Neponset. Also surviving are grandchildren, Frank Gebeck II,, Danielle and Rebecca Hughes, Marissa Warzecha, and, Hannah, Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Ryan Pratt; great grandchild, Lorelle; sister Nancy (Marvin) Frank, Peru, IL, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 15th at First United Church of Christ, Sheffield.  Rev. Martin Nussbaum and Gaile Arnold will officiate, and the burial will be held at the Sheffield Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Patricia Nelson Gebeck Memorial Fund.  Stackhouse-Moore Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.