80 Years Old and Still Going Strong

A lot of 80-year-olds find naptime the highlight of their day. Not Yvonne Warzecha, a busy volunteer at Madison Elementary School for 19 years.

Most kids know her as “Grandma Yvonne,” and during a recent Veterans Day program at Madison, they presented her a large birthday cookie in celebration of her 80th birthday and service to the school.

Yvonne, who years ago had worked at the St. Cloud Hospital as a nurse, lost her husband and was looking for something to fill her time. She didn’t want to volunteer as a nurse, however, so instead she became a kindergarten volunteer in Mrs. Kieke’s class.

“I love little kids. I really do,” she states.

Mrs. Kieke’s current kindergarten class lined up in front of Grandma Yvonne to present birthday cards that each student made. The line then grew with first grade through fifth grade students that were once in Mrs. Kieke’s class. Each has his or her own birthday card to present.

“Thank you! I love you”, she says to each and every student.

Mrs. Huebsch, one of Madison’s academic coaches, explains that Yvonne spent volunteer time in her class as well when she taught kindergarten. “It’s  hard to believe that she is still volunteering,” she explains. “She comes every week.”

Fourth-graders, Samantha Skaja, Jasmine Robinson and Benard Bowens reminisce about the special Valentine’s Day they had as kindergartners.

Benard says, “For Valentine’s Day, Yvonne brought in stuffed animals for everyone.”

Mrs. Kieke’s class is huddled together on Veterans Day, excited about the celebration.  When asked what they liked about having Grandma Yvonne in class, several responded.

Ruby quietly answers, “She helps me work.”

Others shout out things like “I like to make kittens for her,” “I like to make flowers for her!” Admiration is a two-way street.

Yvonne shares one of her fondest memories, “One day a little girl came up to me and said, ‘Grandma, I need a hug today.’ That just made my day.”

Though Grandma Yvonne decided to cut back to only one day a week when she turned 75, she says, “When Pam [Kieke] quits, I quit.” Her dedication to Mrs. Kieke’s kindergarten class shines in her eyes with a hint of more years to come.