Pradeep Dattatraya Nadkarni, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 20, 2025, after a long period of declining health. Though his passing was not unexpected, his absence is deeply felt by all who knew and loved him.

Pradeep was born on January 4, 1946, in Mumbai, India, to Dattatraya S. Nadkarni and Savitri D. Nadkarni (née Saedesai). He immigrated to the United States in the early 1970s on a student visa sponsored by his late brother, Dr. Prakash D. Nadkarni. His move to America shaped the course of his life and the lives of his family for generations.

He married Lynn Nadkarni (née Needham), with whom he shared many years of partnership, humor, and devotion before her passing. Together they raised their son, Nikhil P. Nadkarni, who remained the pride of his life.

Pradeep spent more than 30 years working for Goodyear, where he was known for his intelligence, humor, and inventive mind, contributing to numerous patents throughout his career. His coworkers remember him as brilliant, hilarious, and unforgettable - someone who made every room warmer, sharper, and funnier just by being in it.

He was charismatic, stubborn, funny, and entirely himself. Though often the shortest or smallest person in the room, he had the remarkable ability to command it within minutes. He forged connections wherever he went - with service workers, bartenders, mechanics, classmates, neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family. If Pradeep liked you and you liked him, you had a loyal friend for life.

A lifelong sports fan, he passionately supported the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, and Wisconsin Badgers.

Pradeep is preceded in death by his wife, Lynn Nadkarni (née Needham); his parents, Dattatraya S. Nadkarni and Savitri D. Nadkarni (née Saedesai); his brothers, Dr. Pundalik D. Nadkarni, Sarvottam D. Nadkarni, Ashok D. Nadkarni and Dr. Prakash D. Nadkarni; and his sister, Neeta P. Varty.

He is survived by his son, Nikhil P. Nadkarni; his daughter-in-law, Lisa M. Nadkarni (née Cunningham); his grandchildren, Keegan and Lincoln; his brother, Pandurang D. Nadkarni; his beloved sister-in-law, Dr. Ujjvala P. Nadkarni; his partner, Kathy Zwygart; and Kathy’s family including her children, Becky Batten (Trey), Andy Zwygart and Dan Zwygart (Shelly). He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family remembrance will be held, with a larger celebration of life planned for a later date.

To honor Pradeep in spirit, raise a glass of scotch with water, have a cigarette, or enjoy a Pepsi with lots of ice - just the way he liked it.

“Go Bears!”

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Pradeep D Nadkarni

January 04, 1946 - November 20, 2025

Share photos of Pradeep