Yvonne Jean Wolfenberger, 88, of Sycamore, IL passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 21. For the last 4 years, Yvonne fought a courageous battle with Parkinsons and dementia. It meant a lot to her that she was able to remain in the comfort of her home until the last few days, because of the wonderful care she received from her caregivers.

Yvonne was born in Stevens Point, WI on September 11, 1935, the daughter of Robert and Isla (Zorn) Hunter. She grew up on a dairy and potato farm in Wisconsin, where she learned the value of hard work. After graduating from nurses training at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, and receiving her bachelor's degree from University of Nebraska, Yvonne worked as a school nurse in the Elgin, IL school system for about 10 years.

Yvonne married Albert Wolfenberger in 1971. She was an amazing wife who worked side by side with Al in their AG/real estate endeavors. It was Yvonne who introduced Albert to the concept of generous giving to Christian ministries. This was very important to Yvonne before they were married, and together they continued to give as a couple. In 2009, they used the assets from their farms to establish a charitable foundation that supports the spread of the Gospel around the world that will continue far into the future.

For more than 12 years, Yvonne played a significant role in packing "shoeboxes" that Samaritan's Purse distributes to children in poverty in developing countries. In 2018, Yvonne and several others who shared her passion, shopped and packaged more than 742 shoeboxes!

Yvonne had the gift of hospitality. She always warmly welcomed Al's kids and grandkids into their home, and especially into her kitchen! When grandkids dropped in, she would stop what she was doing and spend time with them: they would work on a craft or bake a cake or play a game together. She always found something fun for them to do! She had a significant impact on all 12 of their grandchildren! Yvonne loved flowers and gardening in her large yard; walking more than three miles every morning in Sycamore for many years; and walking on the beach along the ocean in FL, where they lived in the winter.

Yvonne is survived by her sisters, Rita Hunter of Chicago, Darlene Hunter of Arlington, VA, Janice Kimbrell of Bluffton, SC; her stepson Robert (Judy) Wolfenberger of Madison, WI, stepdaughter Bonnie (Bruce) Cain of Sycamore, IL, stepson David (Mitsue) Wolfenberger of Westport, WA, and stepson Dennis Wolfenberger of Las Vegas, NV, and 12 step grandchildren – who loved Yvonne deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband Albert Wolfenberger; and her siblings Joyce Isis, Vila Hunter, David Hunter, Robert Hunter, and Ronald Hunter.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation for the attention and love Yvonne received from her caregivers who became like family to her. Thank you Anna, Kristy, Jennifer, and Josie.

The Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023 at Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore. Visitation with be from 11:00 am until the time of services at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.

Memorial gifts may be given to Rockford Rescue Mission at 715 West State Street, Rockford, IL 61102.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com