Patricia A. Dietrich formerly known as Patricia A. Bynum, nee Pencak, of Fairview Heights, IL passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021, peacefully at home after a brief illness.

Pat was born on May 24, 1943, the only daughter of Frank and Mildred Pencak, nee Davinroy.  She attended St. Phillips Catholic School and St. Teresa’s Academy, Class of 1961.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Chief Petty Officer Frank R. Bynum (Ret); her brothers, Richard Pencak and David Pencak; grandbaby Bynum and great grandbaby Oppermann.

Left to mourn her passing are her daughter, Elizabeth (Arthur) Oppermann of Fairview Heights, IL; her grandchildren, Arthur (Ashley) Oppermann, IV of Edwardsville, IL, Amanda (Michael) Clay of Shiloh, IL, and Julia Bynum and Jake Bynum of Milan, NH; her great-grandchildren who brought her great joy, Pharaoh Clay, Addison Oppermann, Ainsley Opermann, Bellamy Clay and baby girl Oppermann due in January 2022.  She is also survived by her brother, Robert Pencak (Maggie Wilson); nieces and nephew, Christine Pencak of Austin, TX, Amy Lawrence of Stuart, FL, and Dan Pencak of Belleville, IL; her daughter-in-law, Jamie Bynum of Milan, NH;  great nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  

Pat worked primarily in banking and finance throughout her working career, most notably at Central Bank and retiring from Scott Credit Union.  After retirement, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Pontiac Junior High School, which she said was “the best job she ever had”.  Pat was also one of the first home typists for the Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows and worked part-time at Famous Barr in housewares and at Fairmount Racetrack.

Memorials may be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL or to Heartland Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.  Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Belleville, IL.