Richard S. Gondek, 67, of Fort Wayne, died at 8:35 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2015, at Greystone Health & Rehab.

He was born Nov. 21, 1947, in Columbia City, Indiana a son of Frank Stanley and Edna (Wedler) Gondek. His formative years were spent on a farm in Columbia Township and he enjoyed his participation in 4-H. He attended Columbia Township School, graduated from Columbia City High School in 1965 and received his bachelor degree in computer technology from Purdue University.

On March 11, 1968 he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Vietnam and Turkey during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged March 10, 1974.

From 1975 until 2001 he worked for Lincoln Life in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2008 from the insurance industry.

He was a member of Collective Indiana Alfa Owners, serving as treasurer, and had a passion for Italian racing. He also enjoyed attending car conventions. He enjoyed family fishing trips with his father and brother and watching football being an avid Purdue fan and Colts fan.

Surviving relatives include two daughters: Emily (Christopher) Sweet of Fort Wayne and Elizabeth Gondek of Daytona Beach, Fla.; a granddaughter, Courtney Sweet; a brother, Thomas Gondek of Williamsburg, Va.; and a cousin, Marie Breaux of Columbia City.

The funeral service was held Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial was in Nolt Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to World Wildlife Fund.