Jean Madziarek

Jean Madziarek, 92, of Round Lake, passed away on September 25, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bernard and Edna (Raibley) Refka. Jean leaves behind a legacy stitched into the lives of her six children, seventeen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Madziarek; her son, Jim Madziarek; her brothers, Al and Don Refka; her sisters-in-law, Chuckie and Jo; nieces Pam, Dawn, and Cindy; nephew Steve; and her friend since kindergarten, Lil Kraemer. She is survived by her children and their families: Jim’s daughters: Niky (Alvin) Olheiser and daughter Olivia; Minda Madziarek and daughter Maxine; and Madelyn Madziarek and daughters Nola and Ivy. Mariann (Joe) Kolo, daughter Amy (Ed) Butera, and their sons Matt, Dom, and Elliot. Sue (Jerry) Bockwinkel, daughter Melissa Bockwinkel; daughter Jen (Chris) Skinner, their four daughters Gwen, Juju, Scarlett, and Izzy; and son Jerry (Paige) Bockwinkel and their son Hudson. Ken (Leslie) Madziarek, and his daughters Tara (John) Arient, their daughter Riley and son Nathan; Tanya Lee, her daughter Layla and son Logan; Jessica (Luke) Baldwin and their daughters Faye and Cora, and son Irya; and stepson Max. Sharon (Rick) Wilson, daughter Callie Wilson; stepdaughter Michelle (Eulices) Sanchez, their son Aiden; and stepdaughter Joanna Wilson. Kathy (Kevin) Kusiak, and their sons Eddie, Ben, and Henry. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Olsen, brother-in-law Ralph Madziarek, loving nieces Renee, Diana, Laura, Sandra, and Linda; nephews Mike, Gary, Jeff, and Brad; and many extended family members and friends along the way who adored her. Jean grew up surrounded by faith, family, and stories she loved to retell. While raising six children, alongside her husband of 48 years, she worked part-time jobs and eventually had a career she enjoyed as a Pharmacy Technician at Alexian Brothers Medical Center in Elk Grove Village. There, she even worked overnight shifts so her days could be dedicated to her children. Ron and Jean lived in Chicago and various surrounding suburbs together. After Ron’s passing in 2000, and Jean’s retirement, she moved north to the Lake County area to be near her youngest children and grandchildren. Fiercely loyal and dependable, Jean could be counted on to love without condition. She was lovingly given the nickname “G”, which made her beam with pride! She laughed at her grandchildren’s teasing, beamed at all of their accomplishments, and loved watching them grow up and, for many, have families of their own! Jean was very active, had many interests, and a soft spot for treats - her love of McDonald’s fries and strawberry shakes, Portillo’s hot dogs, Rosati’s mushroom pizza, key lime pie, and any ice cream really. She bowled in a league with her husband and good friends, was part of the Forresters where she planned holiday parties, enjoyed playing cards and board games, reading, doing puzzles, and crafting. She was a devoted Catholic – whether in person or on Sunday morning TV. She could always be found enjoying one of her hobbies or spending time with her family. Jean was thoughtful and never stopped showing up for her family. Whether it was sewing a wedding gown or baby doll clothes, clipping newspaper articles that made her think of someone, picking up children from school, dedicating herself to the “grandkid” sports circuit after retirement, and – perhaps most famously – never forgetting a single birthday or anniversary. Every family member received a card, every year, without fail. Her family’s Christmas trees will sparkle with her annual handcrafted ornaments for years to come, and all the grandchildren (and greats!) have a special baby blanket she designed and quilted! To demonstrate her fierce dedication – in 2018, while hospitalized and on a ventilator, she still made sure the newest great-grandchildren would receive their “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments! Her legacy quite literally lives on, from her heart to her families’, through handcrafted heirlooms and traditions they will treasure forever. Visitation and celebration of Jean’s life will be 4 - 8 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2025 at Ringa Funeral Home in Lake Villa. A funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at St Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church 40000 US-45, Lake Villa, IL 60046. Please meet directly at church. Burial will follow at St Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery 1185 Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Jean’s name to JourneyCare Hospice https://journeycare.org/donate/

Jean Madziarek

August 14, 1933 - September 25, 2025

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