Yvonne Cheryl Zalewski

1965 ∼ 2021

Yvonne C. Zalewski, 56, of Caledonia passed away November 21, 2021 at Ascension Hospital in Racine in the arms of her beloved partner, Russell.Yvonne was born on November 10, 1965. She was the daughter of Shirley and Fredrick Zalewski. Yvonne was educated in the Kenosha public school system. Yvonne worked at several local organizations as an adult. But her employer for the last 35+ years was Yellow Freight Company—first in Kenosha and then in Milwaukee, where she worked as a billing clerk. Among her family and friends, Yvonne was the “center and life of the gathering.” Like her brother Jeffrey, Yvonne liked to plan for feasts and events that brought her family and other people together. She would tell great stories that were accompanied by her verbose personality. Yvonne was the strong creation of her mother and father. Like her mother she was the steward of her family, taking care of everyone’s needs and often at the sacrifice of her own. Family was everything to Yvonne. Like her father Yvonne knew how to make a deal, whether it was over a property parcel or a rummage item. Yvonne also loved vacationing and traveling with her longtime partner Russell Stollenwerk. Their favorite destination was anywhere out West. Yvonne is survived by her partner of 26 years, Russell Stollenwerk, mother Shirley A. Zalewski, sister Jacqueline Zalewski, and sister-in-law Anteaus Rezba. She is preceded in death by her brother Jeffrey R. Zalewski and father Fredrick D. Zalewski. Memorial Mass for Yvonne will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Ave. Racine, WI 53403.

Condolences

Sandra bares December 5, 2021
To my dear friend Yvonne,I’ll miss the girl I worked with for many years as well as doing things outside of work.We had so many laughs-as well as disagreements..many people said we were like a “married couple” I guess you could say that. The girl that had lotto tickets hanging out of her purse,jacket, you name it.We had great time,s ,we talked about many things.. you loved your 4-leggers you loved ur farm although you were exhausted..I said you need to retire. Your dream of moving out west..we did talk about our futures a lot.. All my woes of finding my “last stop” home on this earth with my husband in TN. 6 months of searching with hot market and overpriced but still on the mission, won’t b long now. Always wonder if delay was due as you wouldn’t be here long..And of the last year..seeing your decline begging you to go to the ER and you would not. You mentioned in June to me you thought you were dying and I never understood that comment..now I do. I talked to you the Wednesday before you left us and u seemed alittle spunky..Then Sunday came I and I went to visit you. That was it.Remember the deal…you said if you go first you’ll save me a seat or vice versa. Well keep that seat for me😘. So long for now ChicaSandra
Tracie Sylvester December 1, 2021
I was so, so sad to receive the news about Yvonne. Our friendship goes back so long. To our days at Lambs Farm in the 80’s/90's with her and Jackie, to her boarding PoPo at my dad’s, to her attending so many of our family weddings, showers, get togethers, picnics, birthdays and funerals. She was family to me and she was present for so many meaningful and important events over the years in my life.When she and I would get together, I could always count on that we would have some slightly inappropriate conversations, but they would always end in laughter and just having fun with whatever we were talking about.Russ, Shirley, Jackie, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much she loved all of you. Yvonne, my friend, I will miss you so much!
Jane Nikolai November 28, 2021
My heart is shattered with the loss of my best friend.I cherish every memory of time spent with Yvonne.We shared the best of times and the saddest.She was the friend that held me together thru the years of infertility and shared the tremendous joy when I finally adopted Danielle.We celebrated her 21st birthday with a trip to Las Vegas. So many fun times that I cannot fathom her not in my future.Russ, thank you for being the love of her life. I am so glad she met you and you two and so many wonderful years together.Shirley, I am so sorry you lost your wonderful daughter. Please know that she was so loved and appreciated. Her life made a difference in this world. Her impact will not be forgotten.I will love her and remember her always. Till we meet again in heven.
Ava Zalewski November 25, 2021
My favorite memories ❤️
Ava Zalewski November 25, 2021
My godmother and I! ❤️