Wonder Lake community rallies to support family after deadly home explosion

WONDER LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- More than a month after a deadly house explosion, residents of Wonder Lake gathered to support a family still recovering from the tragedy, demonstrating the close-knit community's willingness to come together in times of need.

The event, held Sunday, featured food trucks, puppy adoptions and a car show burnout competition, far removed from the scene on May 17, when 59-year-old Sandra Patnaude was killed in an explosion that also seriously injured her husband and son.

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Organizers said the fundraiser was designed to help the family begin to rebuild their lives.

"It's lots of noise. Lots of noise. Lots of fun. Lots of smoke. All for a good cause," said Josh DiJoseph, a co-sponsor of the event.

Since being released from the hospital, Dean and Andrew Patnaude have been staying with relatives in Wisconsin. Friends and neighbors described the family as longtime members of the community.

Jason Cynowa, a family friend and local business owner, witnessed the explosion.

"Dean told me just today that he couldn't believe that they made it out there," Cynowa said. "I've known he and his wife Sandra for probably over 30 years. I've lived here in Wonder Lake since I was six years old."

Cynowa helped organize support efforts, including launching one of two GoFundMe campaigns for the family.

"I saw the explosion and the debris going into the air. And I couldn't believe it was a house. Let alone their house," he said. "I just needed to do something for the family. Because they are just wonderful people, they really are."

The fundraiser was organized by Kim Doran, owner of East End Pizza & Ice Cream, who has hosted similar events in the past for community causes.

"The people of Wonder Lake always rally around each other. Whether it's PTO or the school kids. It's part of this community's nature. To help each other," Doran said.

Organizers said the outpouring of support reflects the town's strong sense of connection, where many residents know one another personally.

In addition to the Patnaude family, one other family remains displaced as a result of the explosion.