Cheryl Ann (nee Voland) Fladwood,
of Waterford, was peacefully reunited with her beloved husband of 40 years, Steven Fladwood, on April 25, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
Cheryl was the loving mother of Melanie (Jeff) Benavides, Ronald (Barbara), Todd and Joel (Angela) Fladwood. She was a proud and cherished grandmother to Adam (Amber), Eric, Austin (Amanda), Jasmyne, Jake, Maya, Paige and Thea; and great-grandmother to Mikai and Raina. Cheryl is also survived by her dear sisters, Mary Acklam, Valerie (Chuck) Black and Kay Fulkerson.
Born in January of 1946, in Bloomington, Illinois, to Charles and Ruth (nee Harbor) Voland, Cheryl lived a life rich with love, creativity, and devotion to her family and community. Born and raised on her family’s farm in Bloomington, she learned the value of hard work from an early age. The farm was more than just her home; it was the place where she gained important life lessons. Cheryl was a 1964 graduate of Chenoa High School and a 1968 graduate of Western Illinois University.
In her early years, Cheryl shared a unique adventure with her daughter Melanie, sailing down the Mississippi River to St. Petersburg, Florida. They relocated to Illinois briefly before settling in Racine. There Cheryl continued her career in education, teaching alongside her sister Mary.
Her journey led her to a Parents Without Partners picnic where she met Steven, the love of her life. Their children, Melanie and Steven’s son Joel’s friendship instantly clicked flying kites that day. The four went to Denny’s after the picnic, and the rest, as they say, is history. Cheryl and Steven married and built their life together in Waterford, where they lived for over 30 years.
Cheryl spent much of her professional life as a beloved preschool teacher at Mustard Seed Preschool at Norway Lutheran Church, where she and her family were devoted members. In retirement, she found new joy as a Children’s Librarian at the Rochester Public Library, a role that perfectly matched her boundless creativity and love for children.
Cheryl was a joyful spirit, always singing, composing whimsical children’s songs, and dancing around the house with music in her headphones. Her passion for the arts was evident in her love of musicals, her piano playing, and her imaginative storytelling.
She and Steven embraced life together fully, traveling the world on cruises and creating lasting memories. Cheryl was known for her wisdom, her infectious personality, and her love for QVC shopping.
She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, and devotion that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to your local library’s children’s programs in honor of Cheryl’s lifelong dedication to early childhood education.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services – Mukwonago Chapel followed by a Memorial Service at 12:30 PM.
For online condolences visit www.rozgafuneral.com
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