Above / The Pradel family, Pat, George, Gary and Carol, attended the Jaycees Distinguished Service Awards in 2013 when the mayor was recognized with the Charles Bueche Lifetime Achievement Award. Son George who lives in Colorado was unable to attend.Â
Mayor Emeritus A. George Pradel’s statement on the passing of his wife Pat Pradel, Aug. 29, 2015 / Today I lost the great love of my life. For 55 years my strong, kind, compassionate, and lovely wife Pat stood by my side through thick and thin. She was my steadfast rock and the constant in the Pradel family’s world. She was the silent champion of Naperville, supporting me and caring for our family when my duties as Mayor kept me away from home and out in the community. Her love for this community was strong and genuine, if not always front and center in the public eye.
Pat and I shared a deep faith, and that faith gives me comfort and hope as my family and I walk a new path in these coming days and years. I ask all of you to pray for Pat and my family. Cherish your loved ones and tell them often that you love them, because time together goes all too quickly. While I’m profoundly sad and heartbroken today, I smile in thanks and gratitude knowing I am beyond blessed and lucky. Blessed to have been graced by a love that I can hardly put words behind and lucky to have had the joy of loving Pat. Her memory is my guiding light and her legacy now a finished chapter in our City’s story.
Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers, and sympathy, both throughout Pat’s illness and now. Your words are a comfort and a testament to Naperville’s character of coming together during the tough times. My family and I appreciate your support and wishes and wish all of you the same kind of happiness Pat brought to our lives.
Original Post Aug. 29, 2015 / Today we are remembering Pat Pradel, wife of former Mayor A. George Pradel, and many cheerful conversations while she was at the side of the the city’s longest serving mayor.
Early this morning, Pat died after a long illness, coping with the challenges of cancer for more than 20 years. She passed away at Edward Hospital with her immediate family by her side. She was 75.
Above / The Pradel Family is pictured last year at the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Awards.
Pat Pradel accompanied the mayor when he attended many gala charity events, especially during the past couple of years of his fifth term. Mayor Pradel always credited his wife for understanding his commitment to the city.
Above / Earlier this year, Pat Pradel, son Gary and daughter Carol, accompanied the Mayor when he presented the Annual State of the City Address during the monthly Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
On August 20, 2015, the couple celebrated 55 years of marriage.
Pat Pradel is survived by her husband, George, and their three adult children, George, Gary and Carol.
Gary Pradel and Carol Pradel live in Naperville. Â Son George Pradel resides in Colorado.
Funeral Information
Funeral arrangements for Pat Pradel are being handled by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home in Naperville.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 2PM to 7PM Thurs., Sept. 3, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 815 S. Washington St., Naperville.
A celebration of Pat’s life will follow the visitation on Thursday beginning at 7PM, also at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church.
PN File Photos
