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The Gonderinger Family’s Commitment to Catholic Education
Mary and Bob Gonderinger, combined with their five kids, have a collective 115 years of Catholic school education.
“And that’s without even counting kindergarten,” says Bob.
For Mary and Bob, Catholic education is a lifelong foundation of faith, learning and community. Their journey began at St. Mary’s Catholic School in O’Neill, Nebraska, for elementary through high school. They both attended grade school together, and it’s where they first experienced the deep connection between faith and education. Now, decades later, their commitment to Catholic schools continues through their children and grandchildren, ensuring that the values they cherish are passed down through generations.
Choosing Catholic Education: A Family Tradition
After their time in O’Neill, Mary and Bob landed in Omaha. Bob graduated from Creighton Law School and married Mary in 1982. The two settled in a neighborhood near Holy Cross. When they started their own family, they sought out a strong Catholic school community.
The Holy Cross neighborhood stood out—not just for its well-kept homes, but for its thriving school and parish. They felt that Holy Cross would provide their children with quality education, faith development and a supportive community.
For the next 21 years, the Gonderinger children flourished at Holy Cross, participating in altar serving, music productions, reenactments of the Lord’s Passion, Christmas celebrations and Catholic Schools Week traditions. Beyond the activities, Mary, Bob, and their children say that what stood out most was the dedication of the teachers and staff.
“We were very confident in their teaching abilities and that they took their mission as our children’s second teachers of our faith very seriously,” say the Gonderingers.
During that time, and for over four decades total, Bob worked as a lawyer while Mary worked as an education para as well as children’s book author.
They were very involved at the parish through the years. You can read more about their involvement below.
Faith Beyond the Classroom
For the Gonderinger family, faith was part of their daily lives at home, too. From the standard prayers before meals to Sunday Mass, they ensured their children grew up in a home where faith was lived and nurtured. Today, their grown children continue this tradition, sending their own kids to Catholic schools and staying involved in their parishes. [Fun fact: One of Mary and Bob’s daughters, Jesse, is a member of the Consortium Board of Directors and currently sends her own children to Holy Cross!)
“Family meals were important times for us to be together,” Mary recalled. “We always prayed before meals and at bedtime, and Sunday Mass was a constant—even when our five kids were younger and things weren’t always quiet!”
Volunteer Experience
Mary served on the Holy Cross School Board, also holding leadership positions within Home and School. She was also secretary of the Parish Council. Bob previously served as the co-chair for three years for the Parish Festival, as well as president and member of the Parish Council and more than 14 years in the Knights of Columbus. Both he and Mary served as Extraordinary Ministers of the Holy Eucharist for decades. Just this year, the two received the Holy Cross Celtic Cross award at the 2025 Gala in appreciation of their involvement.
The Power of Catholic Education
Mary and Bob’s story speaks to the value and lasting impact of Catholic education. Their family’s journey reflects the strength of Catholic schools, where faith, education and community come together to shape future generations. What a legacy!
