Kristin Ann Yelinek

Kristin Ann Yelinek, age 63, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025. Born on January 26, 1962, to Keith and Natalie Yelinek of Madison, Kristin was a shining light whose joy and warmth touched everyone she met.

Kristin lived a very full and happy life. She was a proud graduate of Memorial High School and actively involved in Special Olympics during her younger years, where she participated in bowling, swimming, and track. A key milestone in Kristin's life was gaining her independence and moving into her own group home apartment on Midvale Blvd in 1988 - a source of great pride for Kristin and her family. She also achieved a remarkable 40 years of service at UW McArdle Cancer Lab, where she was known for her warmth and wit. During this time, Kristin also volunteered many hours at University Hospital.

Kristin loved music and dancing, and was rarely seen without her favorite jewelry, each piece sparkling like Kristin herself. She also loved Hollywood celebrity magazines, where she could keep up with her favorite stars like Cher, Donny & Marie, Barbara Mandrell and Reba McEntire. In 2019, she made a trip to Las Vegas to meet Donny & Marie in person, which was a real highlight in her life. Kristin was known for her amazing compliments, telling everyone which celebrity they looked most like, as well as her ability to take command of a room to make a special toast, which could bring everyone to tears.

She is survived by her parents, Keith and Natalie Yelinek; her brother, John Yelinek (Kia) of Chicago, IL; and her sister, Anna Yelinek Stoesz (Steven) of Minneapolis, MN. Her family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who supported Kristin over the years, including Community Works Services, Community Living Connections, and Special Olympics of Dane County.

A Celebration of Kristin’s Life will be held on Sunday, October 26th, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI. Memorials in Kristin's name can be made to any of the organizations listed above.