Gretchen Svec , 66, of Rock Island, IL, passed away Thursday, August 8, 2024, in the University of Iowa Hospital, in Iowa City. She was born in Moline, IL on September 12, 1957. Gretchen received her Bachelors' degree in Music Education from Marycrest College in Davenport IA and sang at her commencement, accompanied on the guitar by her brother, Steve.

She spent 21 years working for Alight Solutions consulting not only her clients but her

colleagues as well. With her dynamic ability to problem solve, she was valued and respected by

everyone. As an expert in her field, she was also a recognized teacher to many.

Gretchen had quite a singing voice and was a member of Sweet Adelines International as a

member of Willow Tree Chorus and Magic Moments quartet in New Jersey, and later a member of The Mellodeers Chorus of Northbrook, IL, when they won the International competition in

Honolulu, HI.

As a hobby, Gretchen was a master, baking and decorating amazing cakes, including a guitar

with an actual music score, an open suitcase with several shirts inside, a child's train on a track— with all parts edible!

Gretchen is survived by her sister, Sandra Svec Christian of The Villages FL; her brothers

Michael Svec of Silvis, IL, and Steven (Judy) Svec of Carbon Cliff, IL; nephew Sean (Anna) Svec; nieces, Erin (Matthew) Buckley, Jodie (Chris) Kastelic, and Julia (Larry) Clark; as well as many great nephews and great nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph F. Svec and mother, Martha (Randau) Svec.

A Celebration of Gretchen's Life will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 15th, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 911 Mansur Ave., Carbon Cliff, IL.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vanhoe.com