June 10, 1954 – Thursday, February 5, 2015
Service Information
Rockford Township Hall-rural Buffalo
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
7-12 P.M.
Visitation Information
Nancy (Sjolin) Yonak, 60, lost her battle with cancer on February 5th and passed peacefully in her home. Nancy was a lifelong resident of Rockford where she was very active in her community. She attended Rockford schools, was a cheerleader, and Ms. Rockford 1971-72.
Nancy married her childhood sweetheart, Dennis Yonak, in 1975. Dennis and Nancy were first introduced at the young age of 5, when their parents became lifelong friends. This June would have been their 40th wedding anniversary.
Nancy leaves behind three children, Heather (Kelly) Tody, Bryan (Alexis) Yonak and Jennifer (Joe) Penney and seven grandchildren, Taylor, Shelby, Kai, Trey, Quinn, Liam and Sawyer. Nancy is survived by her mother, Vera (Mae) Sjolin, three siblings, Karen (Larry) Wronski, Ed (Val) Sjolin and Pat Sjolin and many aunts, uncles, cousins and an amazing group of friends. She is preceded in death by her father Robley (Bud) Sjolin.
Nancy was a longtime Rockford River Days committee member where she and Dennis organized the annual volleyball tournament since 1982. In addition, Nancy helped to establish many local volleyball leagues and tournaments. Nancy was an avid volleyball player and continued to play until her cancer diagnosis in June 2014.
Nancy provided childcare for 16 years at her in-home daycare. She later entered the medical supply field and most recently worked for Teleflex Medical in Plymouth. In addition, she also worked part time at Target to help support her and Dennis’ love of their annual vacations to Mexico with friends.
More than anything Nancy loved her large, close-knit family. The moments that made her the happiest were gatherings with family and friends, so in honor of Nancy please join us as we celebrate her life on Saturday, February 21st at Rockford Township Hall for an open house from 7pm-12am filled with family, great friends, music and laughter.
Dear Dennis and family, can’t tell you enough how sorry me and Charlie are. The picture you have posted reminds me of seeing her coming home from work. If I happened to be in the back yard she would send me a good afternoon smile. We have been neighbors for about what 21 years now. Saw our children grow up and have lots of memories of grandchildren running around. Her presence and legacy are strong. Take care. Charlie and Meda “Bramel” Rogich
To the Yonak Family;
I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy. She was a very, very nice person with a lot of love to share with her family. Life can be way to short for some. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know she will be in a safe and peaceful place!
Sorry for your loss, Dennis. We all knew and grew up together. Time goes by so fast we don’t have time to stop and smell the roses. Wish I could talk one more time with her. Prayers go out to you and family in this tuff time. See you soon, old friend.
My prayers and condolences to the family of Nancy. I had the pleasure of working with her for the last several years at Target. I will always remember her easy going and positive attitude, and her adventurous spirit. I will greatly miss working with her and hearing about her grandchildren.
We are so sorry for the lose of Nancy. You all are in our thoughts & prayers