Sylvia Ann Zaudtke

Sylvia Ann Zaudtke passed away on May 24, 2025 at the age of 96. She was born on June 3, 1928 to Anton and Annie Spinler in Hinckley MN. She was the youngest of 9 children and grew up on a dairy and vegetable farm. She learned to be a hard worker very young, helping run the farm with her father and caring for her mother when she became very ill when she was just 17. As a girl she would pick so many beans and strawberries that she saw them in her sleep. She married Arnold Zaudtke on October 9, 1946; they moved to Duluth in 1959.

Sylvia had a beautiful flower garden and a large vegetable garden growing enough fruits and vegetables to preserve for winter. She was a great cook and loved hosting holidays and gatherings of friends. She was quick to help out many friends during times of illness or need. In addition to her love of cooking and baking she was an accomplished seamstress and enjoyed needle work. She adored her grandchildren and provided day care for some when they were young. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Duluth and often volunteered there when a need arose. She loved music and the dance floor.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents and 7 siblings; her husband, Arnie of 62 years; and daughter, Laurie (Roy) Peterson of Ft. Collins CO. She is survived by sister, Rozlyn Yeager of White Bear; sons, Gary (Debbie) Zaudtke of Duluth, Terry (Linda) Zaudtke of Deltona FL; and daughter, Christy (Eric) Goetzinger of Shakopee, MN. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Kelly, Bryan, Brenda, Amy, Lindsey, Katy, Nicole, Heather, Ryan, Megan, Trevor, Jonah, and Chelsea; 22 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She will be missed deeply by her family who were very lucky to have been able to call her Mom and Grandma.

The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood Vista who made her last few years safe and comfortable and the hospice staff who cared for her in her final days.

Mass of Christian Burial, Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 am with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. in St. John’s Catholic Church, 4230 St Johns Ave, Duluth, MN 55803. Interment at Forest Hill Cemetery.