With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Benedict “Ben” George Gondek, 77, of Fox Lake, formerly of Ringwood, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at City of Hope, Zion. He was born November 1, 1948, in Chicago, to the late John and Dolores (nee Sass) Gondek.

Ben was a loving father, devoted papa, and a truly remarkable man. His kindness, generosity, and unconditional willingness to help others touched countless lives, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. Whether offering advice, sharing a laugh, or simply being there when someone needed him, he made everyone feel loved, supported, and important. Those who knew Ben knew they could always count on him. Without hesitation, he was there to lend a helping hand, share his knowledge, or give his time to someone in need. His generosity wasn’t something he did—it was simply who he was.

Ben earned his Batchelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University and his Master’s degree from DePaul University. He obtained his Certified Public Accountant designation and received recognition and an award from the State of Illinois for scoring so highly on the CPA exam. Ben also served in the Naval Reserves during the Vietnam War.

He dedicated his career to the Internal Revenue Service, where he worked in international taxes and built a reputation for his exceptional knowledge, integrity, and passion for helping others navigate the world of taxes. He genuinely loved his work, and his expertise earned him a lasting legacy. Ben’s passion for accounting and tax law was unmatched. His exceptional performance on the CPA exam earned him a state award—a testament to his intelligence, hard work, and dedication to his profession. He also had a tax form named after him.

Ben enjoyed domestic and international travel for work and leisure. He especially loved to travel with his wife, Judy, and family to New Orleans and Mexico.

His legacy lives on through the family he loved so deeply, the friends whose lives he enriched, and the many people he helped throughout his life. We will forever remember his wisdom, his compassion, his sense of humor, and the unconditional love he gave so freely.

Ben was an incredible dad to Tracey (Ben) Bebout and Kathryn “Katie” (James “Jim”) Wienke; and the world’s best papa to five grandchildren, Tracey’s and Ben’s three children, and Katie’s and Jim’s two children (Hank and Riley). As a devoted father and proud Papa, he found his greatest happiness in being surrounded by those he loved most.

Ben is further survived by sister, Beverly (the late Dan) Le Comte; brother-in-law, Dennis (Nancy) Kelso; niece and nephews, Michelle Estad, Brian (Heather) Gondek, Kevin Gondek, Neil (Jennifer “Jeni”) Kelso, and Michael Kelso; great-nephews, Jeffrey Estad, Soren Gondek, and Austin Kelso; close family friend, Diane “Di” (the late Dranoel “Skip” Allen) Hauser; and by many, many loving extended family members and an abundance of friends.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his wife, Judith “Judy” (nee Kelso) on June 17, 2026; brother, Adrian Gondek; and father- and mother-in-law, Neil and Rose (nee Trost) Kelso.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Ben’s love and the countless memories he created will stay with us always. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten. He is missed beyond words and was taken from us far too soon.

A celebration of Ben’s life will be Saturday, September, 19, from 3-7 p.m., at the Fox Lake American Legion, 703 N. US Hwy 12, Fox Lake. Please RSVP, by September 10, to Katie at 815-790-0895.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Lions Club where Ben was a member are appreciated: Lions Club of Fox Lake, PO Box 398, Fox Lake, IL 60020-0398.