Star Lynn Rondeau, beloved wife, partner, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on October 13, 2023, at the age of 75. She was born to the late Harvey and Martha (nee: Chukan) Wiemelt on January 31, 1948.

Star grew up in Kenosha, attended Victory Grade School, Lance Middle School, and both Bradford and Tremper High School where she graduated with the class of 1967. After high school, she took a job at Tops where she met Raymond H. Rondeau. They married on February 8, 1969, and had five children: Shane, Gary, Joel, Starlet, and Brett before Raymond's passing in 1995.

Star raised her children to love reading, art, math, science, and music. She often took her children to museums in Chicago, concerts at the Bandshell, and trips to caves in Wisconsin and Kentucky. She supported her children's musical endeavors and was recognized by the Kenosha Band Boosters for her exceptional efforts. Star put her children in summer music programs, as well as College For Kids at UW Parkside, where she enjoyed watching them march in field shows and learn in a variety of summer classes. Star also encouraged her children to create their own recipes, including a not-so-delectable dish created after her children read the book How to Eat Fried Worms. Nevertheless, she allowed her children the opportunity to be creative in the kitchen, while politely declining a taste of the dish they made. Star always put her children first, which they knew and adored.

Star delighted in being a mother and grandmother. She was regularly found in the kitchen teaching her children and grandchildren special recipes from her family as well as her husband's family. She took joy in creating elaborate meals at the holidays, and loved being surrounded by her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite recipes to teach her grandchildren was plum dumplings, and she made enormous batches each fall when the plums were ripe and ready to be turned into her delectable concoction. Never could it be said that a person left her home without a full belly and a happy heart.

When not doting on her children, Star could often be heard singing Elvis songs, or seen in her garden growing vegetables and herbs, and also repurposing furniture.  She was also known to sew outfits for her children when they were younger, including some last minute costumes for school plays that her children may have forgotten to mention until the night before.

In 1986, Star took a job at Marina Gardens Restaurant and became the most well-known third shift manager the restaurant had ever seen. Star became a local legend who enjoyed waiting on the variety of customers that came through the doors. She worked there until her retirement, shortly after which Marina Gardens stopped serving  third shift because, rumor has it, there was no one as phenomenal as Star to take over.

Ed Jelinek joined Star's life in 1996, and according to Ed, they spent, "27 years, 4 months, 28 days, 2 hours, and 30 minutes" in love together. Star planned trips all over the world, and Ed happily accompanied her on these journeys. Two of Star's favorite locations were Japan and China. Star collected a variety of keepsakes from her trips, particularly her trips to the East. One of her fondest memories was walking the Great Wall of China with Ed by her side. There wasn't a place on the planet that Star wanted to go to that Ed wasn't happy to join her. Their life together was a beautiful journey, both on the road and at home together in Kenosha.

Star is survived by her partner, Ed Jelinek;  her five children: Shane (Carly) Rondeau, Gary (Jane) Rondeau, Joel (Lisa) Rondeau, Starlet (Aaron) Malczewski, and Brett (Kelley) Rondeau; her 15 grandchildren: Holly Perkins, Sierra (Drew) Hoekenga, Sam (Jasmine) Rondeau, Jolie Larson, Lilie Larson,  Sophie Rondeau, Jonah Rondeau, Lauren Rondeau, Madeline Rondeau, Seth Brooks, Ethan Brooks, Emma Malczewski, Caleb Rondeau, Addison Rondeau, and Reid Rondeau; two great-grandchildren: Aella Perkins and Ren Perkins; three sisters: Dawn Snell, Twyla (Richard) Phillips, and Morna Wiemelt; the family of her partner, Ed: Alan (Michele) Jelinek, Laura (Gary) Nettekoven, Tim Jelinek, Anika Nettekoven, Aiden Nettekoven, Anderson Nettekoven, Kristina Pate, Chad Pate, and Janet Dujmovic; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Service Details

In accordance of Star's final wishes, her services will remain private.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Kenosha County ADRC may be sent in her honor.

8600 Sheridan Rd., Kenosha, WI  53143-6514

ph 262-605-6646 /fx 262-605-6649

adrc.kenoshacounty.org