Obituaries

Avianna (Avi) Leigha Chen Skolaski, age 17, passed away September 21st, 2023 from a stroke due to complications from a natural disease. She was born in Tianjin China on September 25th, adopted by Rhonda (Rosiak) and David Skolaski. Loving siblings Margo (24), Oliver (21), and Baylor (13).

Avianna was a senior at Deforest Area High School where she formed close friendships with staff and students alike. She found joy in delicious food, spending time with her family, and sharing her love of Disney. She unselfishly donated her hair several times to children who needed wigs. Avi excelled at singing and dancing as if no one was watching. She had a talent being able to sleep anywhere and did sleep everywhere. She was an animal lover and had unique encounters with sting rays, hippopotamus, giraffes, kangaroos, reptiles, dolphins and loved snorkeling. She was an adventurer with her family while hiking, camping, touring waterfalls, fishing, and traveling. She had a contagious loud laugh while enjoying movies and her favorite tv programs. Since before kindergarten she always had a unique sense of style not limited to fake beards, button down shirts with ties, cowboy boots, flannels, hats with personality. Avi knew she always looked goooood! Avi completed several Run Disney 5k and 10k races. An amusement ride enthusiast she was, never backing down and always up for one more ride. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and was always unapologetically her unique self. Despite any and all challenges put in front of her she always found a way to laugh, smile and persevere!

She is further survived by her Grandparents William and Sharon Rosiak, Great grandma Florence. Uncles Todd aka F'uncle (Jill) Skolaski and Christopher Havey. Grandmother Vanessa (Randy) Thorp, Uncle Dwayne Miller, Aunt Ashley (Mike) Hughes, and many cousins as well as extended family. She is preceded in death by her very special Grandma Judy Skolaski and Great grandma Elaine Rosiak.

We would like to thank American Family Children's Hospital Craniofacial team specifically Dr. Mount and Dr. Garland's special care over the years. Dr. Garland's resent surgery gave Avi a new smile she LOVED! She couldn't stop smiling and checking herself out in the mirror. A heartfelt thank you to Deforest first responders for not giving up, continuing to work tirelessly to revive her despite her "momma bear" getting in the way. "Warriors are not the ones who always win but the ones that always fight!" Avi wore her warrior necklace every day, put it on immediately when she got up.

Yani bear, I will always be your "wing-go" and I know you are always and forever beside me! Love you to the moon and back, times infinity. Always and forever, love Momma bear

You will forever be my special little girl, while I won't get to walk you down the aisle I'll walk forever with you in my heart. Love, Dad

A visitation celebrating the life of Avianna will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd., DeForest, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: venmo @skolaskirhonda.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250