Yvonne Kathleen Stradinger, lovingly known as “Vonnie”, passed away from Alzheimer’s on June 29, 2023, at her home in Crookston, Minnesota, peacefully surrounded by her family. Born on April 23, 1938, in Fargo, North Dakota, Yvonne led a remarkable life that touched the hearts of all who knew her. 
Yvonne was a strong and independent woman who worked diligently throughout her career. She held various positions at esteemed establishments such as Wayne Hotel, Sidney’s Cafe, Hawes Printing, Crookston Coca Cola, Crookston Times, and Villa St. Vincent. Her hard work and commitment to excellence were evident in everything she did.
She graduated from Dickinson High School in the class of 1955. In 1955, Yvonne was united in marriage to Lester Stradinger and the two shared 65 happy years together until Lester’s passing in 2021.
Yvonne’s warm heart extended not only to humans but also to animals. She had a profound love for her family and her loyal dog Webster. The bond they shared was undeniable and brought immense joy into Yvonne’s life.
In her leisure time, Yvonne indulged in collecting teapots, which showcased her appreciation for beauty and artistry. Additionally, she found solace in the pages of books that transported her to different worlds through the power of storytelling. Yvonne also had a green thumb and found immense pleasure in tending to her garden. Her love for nature was evident in every carefully nurtured plant.
Although Yvonne was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she maintained her dignity and grace, not suffering as her family became her primary caregivers so she could remain at home. Even during difficult times, Yvonne’s spirit remained resilient and inspired those around her with her courage.
Yvonne Kathleen Stradinger was a remarkable woman whose love and kindness touched countless lives, she leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and resilience that will continue to guide and inspire her family and friends in their own lives. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in eternal peace.
Yvonne is survived by her daughters: Leslie Stradinger-Flynn of Crookston, MN; Debra (Tom) Gearou of Minnetonka, MN; Brenda (Rick) Bozyk of Crookston; Roberta (Bryan) Schipper of Mentor, MN. Grandchildren: Lisa Almhjeld of Thief River Falls, MN; Jeff Almhjeld (Yvonne Martinson) of Thief River Falls; Jamie Bozyk of Crookston; Joe (Kristin) Bozyk of Winnipeg, Canada; Brett (Karli) Bozyk of Cottage Grove, MN; Abbey (Jordan) Machado of Crookston; and Ben Schipper (Breanna Smith) of Crookston. Great-Grandchildren: Aryelle, Kolton, Aibrey, Hunter, Noah, Ethan, Theodore, Ruth, Margo, Isley, Nieve, and Levi. Great-Great-Grandchildren: Tiarah and Zariah. Sister: Linda (Dick) Randell of The Villages, FL; Brother: Jim (Marge) Kovash of The Villages, FL. Sister-in-Laws: Viola Caudle of Billings, MT; Margie Stradinger of Mandan, ND. Brother-in-Laws: Alex Stockert of Dickinson, ND; Dick (Jeanette) Stradinger of Rapid City, SD; and Fred Stradinger of Boise, ID.
Yvonne is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Stradinger; Son, Jeffrey Mike Stradinger; Mother, Perpetua Kovash; Son-in-law, Vincent Flynn. Sister and Brother-in-Laws: Rose and Wally Kilzer, Bob and Pauline Stradinger, Donald Stradinger, Evelyn and Ted Groll, Harold and Gen Stradinger, Betty and Roger Smith, Rod Caudle, June Stockert, Jeanette and Dick Sagmiller, and Donna Stradinger.
Yvonne’s life will be celebrated during visitation at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service, located at 615 South Minnesota Street, Crookston, Minnesota, on July 17, 2023. The visitation will begin at 12:00 PM. A memorial service in honor of Yvonne’s life will follow at 1:00 PM at the same location. Finally, Yvonne will be laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery on Memorial Drive in Crookston. The burial service will commence at 2:00 PM. The services will be livestreamed and a luncheon at the funeral home will follow burial.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and/or the Hospice of Red River Valley.
A special Thank You to Hospice of the Red River Valley for all of the care and support for our family.
