FITCHBURG - Kerry A. Podolske, age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb.17, 2024, at her home. Born on April 19, 1945, in Cassville, Wis., she was the daughter of Donald and Deanne (Adrian) Oelke.

Kerry's early years were spent in the town of Cassville, where she graduated from Cassville High School. Kerry then attended Milwaukee Area Technical College, where she completed the Dental Assistant Program. Kerry spent over 20 years as a waitress, first at Perkins on the Beltline, and most recently Alt n’ Bach’s Town Tap. Waitressing for Kerry was not just about work; it was something she enjoyed - an opportunity to connect with people, sharing stories and creating memories.

Kerry's love for her family was the cornerstone of her life, evidenced by the ever-growing collage of photographs adorning her kitchen cabinets over the past 30-plus years! She is survived by her two sons, Frank (Sayhra) Schiro and Robert (Kim) Schiro; their father and former husband, Joseph Schiro; her grandchildren, Sophia, Dante, Carlito, Francesco, Salvatore, Nina, Francesca and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Francesco (aka “Nooch”) and Stassi; her sister, Sharon Chapman; and special niece, Jeannie (Jim) Mellon. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Mike Podolske; and siblings, Marinette Bink, Donna Mae Radloff, Calvin Oelke and Jackie Russell.

Her granddaughters will fondly remember the shopping sprees that were filled with laughter and love, while her great-grandson, Nooch, will cherish the many memories of hanging out at his dear Grammy Kerry’s. Those who knew Kerry will recall that she loved to dance, enjoyed bowling, and was a Packer super-fan. She delighted in the color pink, warm sunshine on her face, having a stack of celebrity magazines to peruse, the movie Grease, playing the lotto, was a voracious reader, and thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of her ever-pampered cats.

A private family service will be held. Please consider making a donation in Kerry’s honor to the Dane County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

Kerry Podolske

April 19, 1945 - February 17, 2024

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