On April 3, 2024, Ashley Elizabeth Gadzinski, age 35, of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, was taken into God’s loving arms, as she entered into her eternal life. She passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital, after five plus weeks of severe medical complications arising from a kidney stone diagnosis, surrounded by her loving family.
Ashley was born on October 21, 1988, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Lynn Zigmunt and Tony Gadzinski. Ashley was the youngest of four daughters. She graduated from Lincoln High School in 2007. She worked at Goodwill, Burger King and Dominos Pizza.
Ashley is survived by her loving parents, Lynn and Ted Zigmunt (mother and stepfather), Tony Gadzinski (father) and his fiancé, Tammy Prochnow; four sisters, Melissa (John) Christensen, Shauna (Justin) Nickels, Sarah (Jason) Boerschinger; stepbrothers, Andy (Stephanie) Zigmunt and Mark (Kari) Zigmunt; aunts and uncles, Terri LaFleur (and fiancé Ken O’Leary), Donald Biese, Jr. (and fiancé Georgeanne Kirt), Sharon and Conrad Gadzinski, Marilyn Gadzinski; many beloved nieces and nephews; special friend, Chelsea Korte; and her beloved cat, Lucy, who she adored. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Donna Wiegand, Irene Gadzinski and Alois Gadzinski; and uncles Pat Gadzinski, Ron Gadzinski and Mike Gadzinski.
Ashley enjoyed spending time with her family. She was very creative and artistic and loved doing crafts and art projects. She loved to bowl and enjoyed many bowling games with family and special bowling dates with her Dad, which she always looked forward to. She definitely had the Gadzinski competitive edge, as well as an amazing curve ball! She loved music, current pop and oldies, with the Beatles, Queen and Vic Ferarri being a few of her favorite groups. She enjoyed attending concerts or musical events with family and friends. She loved playing Rummy 500 and Kings Corners every Saturday night with Mom and Tito. She loved to read…her favorite author was Lurlene McDaniel and she loved scary movies….she has a huge movie collection! She loved all her tattoos created by tattoo artist and friend, Paul Wenzel.
Our family has been blessed to have Ashley in our lives. She was a kind, caring person—she loved her family immensely. She taught us just how precious the gift of life is. She loved animals, and she loved her pets Nugget, Bailey and Lucy with all her heart. She was quick witted and always loved to tell a good joke….especially with her special friend, Rick Sawyer. She also always looked forward to all the holiday and birthday cards sent religiously by her special friend, Theresa Spanholtz.
The last five to six weeks has been extremely difficult for Ashley and her family. It was so hard to watch things spiral out of control over what seemed should so easily have been fixed—especially with all the medical challenges she has already faced during her lifetime. Our family definitely needs to draw on each other’s strength and realize she is now in a much better place, free of pain and suffering…..enjoying her eternal reward. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends, but her love and memories will be with us forever. She will never be forgotten. Those who knew Ashley knows the imprint she leaves on your heart.
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the ICU and IMCU nursing staff and doctors at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay, for all the caring, compassion, support and friendship shown to Ashley and our family during these very complex medical circumstances.
Cremation has occurred at Harrigan Parkside Crematory Chapel. The family will greet relatives and friends at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a Memorial Service at 11:30 a.m., followed by burial at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Francis Creek at 12:30 p.m. There will be a dinner served for family and friends following burial, at 1:30 p.m., at the Eagle’s Club, at 823 Hamilton Street, Manitowoc.
