May 10, 1993 — July 4, 2014

Patrick Allen Vinnedge, 21, of Niles, became sick and died unexpectedly on Friday, July 4, 2014. He was born in Niles on May 10, 1993, to Eric and Karen (Skalla) Vinnedge and was the light of his family’s life.

Patrick attended Niles High School where he graduated with honors in 2012 and was a leader in the drum line. He was an amazing musician from a very young age and enjoyed band in school from grades six through 12, receiving recognition from the governor for being specially selected to tour Europe with the Southern Michigan Ambassadors of Music in 2011. He received the John Philip Sousa Band Award, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award along with many more.

Patrick had the special ability to connect with others, often helping his peers with studying. He possessed a brilliant “daVinci mind” and was taking college courses and majoring in engineering. Above all, Patrick loved his family. He developed his own extensive recording studio and enjoyed many other various hobbies including caring for his pets and working on several new inventions.

Patrick was employed full-time at Niles Precision Company.

Surviving family members include his parents, Eric and Karen Vinnedge, two brothers, James Vinnedge and Alex (Kait) Vinnedge, maternal grandmother, Betty Skalla, all of Niles, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was a friend to many and loved by all.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with a service beginning at 6 p.m. by Deacon Roger Gregorski. Contributions in memory of Patrick Vinnedge may be made to the donor’s choice, the Niles High School Band, or Pet Refuge, 4626 S Burnett Dr., South Bend, IN 46614. www.halbritterfunerals.com