Gordon Edward Pientka

Gordon E. Pientka, of Island Lake, IL, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2022 at the age of 80. He was born July 26, 1941 in Evanston, IL and lived a full life with family and friends.

Gordon is the son of Edward and Irene Pientka; older brother to Edward; and younger brother to sister, Pat (Bob) Cerveny.

In 1994, Gordon married (Dr.) Val followed by 27 years of a wonderful and loving relationship. Val claims Gordon as “the love of her life.”

Gordon’s early working career began via running a 4-color printing press, followed by becoming a fireman at Main Township Fire District (he ran the pumper) and lastly having his own remodeling business, GP Enterprises.

Gordon saw much of the world through a lens of “how things work” or “how things should work.”  Things need to work as they were intended or he would re-fashion or reinvent the item, much to the chagrin of his not-always patient wife. There are many iterations of these various improvements in a four-car garage that currently has room for only two cars.

At a recent outing to see the holiday lights at the Morton Arboretum, hundreds of people could be seen looking up at the lights. However, Gordon was studying the ground to see how the wiring and the light structure was made. For Gordon, the interesting part was always how things worked. And if you ever walked into a new building, room, etc., and wanted to know where the nearest fire exit was, just ask Gordon.

Gordon believed you could fix or build anything if you had the right tools and enough money. And the right tools he had. Whom amongst us does not have 8 hand held saws, a pole saw, a circular saw, a wallboard saw, 2 portable circular saws, a reciprocating saw, a compound miter saw, a jig saw, a bandsaw, a radial arm saw, a tile saw and a chain saw?

Gordon loved nature and the outdoors. Each spring he eagerly awaited the arrival of the first hummingbird and took great care feeding and caring for them throughout the summer. Fishing, boating, water skiing, anything near the water was how Gordon loved to spend the summer. Recently purchased electric bikes was his final wish to spend time in the outdoors that he loved.

On any given day he could be found on his 1976 beloved Cub Cadet tractor that he nursed through a complete new engine overhaul 2 years ago, purchasing the refurbished engine from Japan.

Upon retirement, Gordon exercised his creative abilities taking classes in pottery at College of Lake County, along with completely rehabbing their current home….the one he put a bid on and money down on without first showing his wife.

Gordon is survived by his ex-wife Sheila, (who graciously welcomed Val into the Pientka family); loving children, Gary (Katie), Greg (Kathy), Tony Sullivan; and step-daughter, Kristen Piacenza; grandchildren, Meghan, Nichole, Kyle, Emma and Dharma.

Gordon was a friend of Bill W., supporting many others during their struggle with addiction, attending many retreats and enjoying 44 years of continuous sobriety.

Gordon was known for his hugs. His hugs could melt any angry or frozen heart. They will forever be missed.

A visitation for Gordon will be held on Friday, March 25, 2022 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, with the services beginning at 1:30 pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL, 60014. An eco-friendly burial will take place immediately following at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary, IL.

In lieu of flowers for Gordon, donations are gratefully accepted for his beloved 12-step retreat house, Villa Desiderata, 3015 Bayview Lane, McHenry, IL. 60051.