Eugene “Gene” L. Rondenet, age 74 of Elk Grove Village for 25 years, departed this life on Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Mr. Rondenet was a man of many passions, including his business, his life partner Barbara Serrano, his family, his garden, sports and many precious friendships that spanned his lifetime. He was born in Chicago on Feb. 17, 1933 and lived in the area for most of his life. He was a star player at St. George’s Catholic High School in Evanston and was later drafted by the Chicago Bears. Injuries cut short his dream of professional sports. Gene served in the military for four years and returned to the Chicago area with his young family. He raised seven children with his wife, Catherine. In 1964, Gene was offered an opportunity through a business acquaintance to become partners in a flavor company, which blossomed into his legacy. Gene created a successful business that was an extension of family and incorporated his love of science. Gene was beloved by his seven children, Elizabeth (Michael) Londo, Gene Jr. (Emily Lee), Chris (Mary Lee), Meg (Dana) Will, Mary (Israel) Barajas, Paula (Michael) Gallagher, Laurette (Colin) Smith; his 21 grandchildren; and his life partner, Barbara Serrano; also survived by a brother Leon (Mary Anita); three nephews and a niece. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Laurette and Leon Rondenet, his life partner Elaine Rolfe, his infant daughter Catherine Mary, his infant granddaughter Catherine Rose Barajas and his business partner, Henry Collins. Gene will also be remembered by his dear friends, business colleagues and the employees of Edlong Corporation of Elk Grove Village. Visitation will be held at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village (three blocks south of Biesterfield Rd.), from 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. Services will begin Monday with chapel prayers 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by Mass at Queen of the Rosary Church, 750 Elk Grove Blvd., in Elk Grove Village at 11 a.m. Interment will be private on Tuesday at Silver Creek Cemetery in Dowagiac, MI. Memorial contributions to Rev. John Smith Standing Tall Foundation, 1100 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Info: 847-640-0566 or grovememorialchapel.com
