Gene Richard Pendl

May 17, 1930 ~ December 13, 2021 (age 91)

Gene Richard Pendl peacefully passed away in the presence of his family at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana on Monday, December 13, 2021.  Gene was born May 17, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Mary (Ott) and Harold Pendl. On June 18, 1960, he married Anne  Lynn McCollam in Sacred Heart Parish, Notre Dame.  Gene is survived by his five children: John Graham (Tiffany) Pendl of Carmel, Indiana, Daniel Stuart Pendl of Honolulu, Hawaii, Elizabeth Lynn Pendl of Frederick, Colorado, Ann-Marie Pendl of Phoenix, Arizona, Thomas Christopher (Jennifer) Pendl of Punta Gorda, Florida; two grandsons: Stephen Richard Pendl of Boise, Idaho and Joseph Spenser Pendl of Carmel, Indiana; and one great grandson: Rafael Quincy Graham Pendl of Boise, Idaho.  In addition, Gene made a significant impact on many other surviving family members and friends.

In May 1952, Gene graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. 

Gene served his country from 1954-1957 in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He then worked for Bendix Corporation in South Bend, Indiana for 33 years.  While working full-time he received an MBA from Indiana University and a PE license which is the highest standard of competency for a Professional Engineer.  Gene went on to work at AM General in Mishawaka, Indiana for 16 years and worked as a consultant up to his retirement in 2005.

Throughout Gene’s life, he was passionate about drawing, painting and sculpting.   His hobbies included working the jumble puzzle in the local paper, golf, Notre Dame football, White Sox baseball, antiquing and collecting rare coins and stamps. Some of his favorite pastimes were coaching his children’s little league teams, being an active member of the Sacred Heart Parish, whistling and singing to his pets and sitting on the patio enjoying the sounds and sights of nature.  We all will remember his easy smile, good nature and subtle sense of humor. He will be missed.

Gene’s remains will be buried at Cedar Grove Cemetery at the University of Notre Dame. A celebration of his life will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in the spring of 2022.

The family gives special thanks to his devoted caregivers and the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka, Indiana.  Donations may be made to the Humane Society of St Joseph County.

3/6/2022 EJS