MENDOTA - Desiree Ann (Van Ryswyk) Czerniuk, 63, of Mendota, passed away Feb. 24, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

There will be no services at this time. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Dee was born March 10, 1957 in Evanston to Gerald and Anita (Wollin) Van Ryswyk. She married James Czerniuk, the love of her life.

Survivors include her husband; three children, Ken Foerster, Jessica (Chris) Cox and Dawn (Ryan) Furar; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Dee was one of eight children. She loved growing up in a big family and loved her family more than anything. She volunteered at the Sauk Valley Humane Society for over seven years and spayed and neutered over 60 feral cats. Her artistic hobbies included barrel racing, painting and glass etching. She was an artist in all she did, whether crafting or cooking and she loved flying kites with her grandchildren every year. Her grandchildren were asked to describe Dee in one word: Tyler – kind, Mercedes – hardworking, Alexus – compassionate., Cyrus – laugh, Samantha – genuine, Jasmine – loving, Corbin – beautiful, Chloe – hugger, Keagon – good cook, Paris – snuggler, and Blake, Hailey, Aubree and Amelia – loving, caring woman.

Dee loved going to the kite festival every year with her family. In her honor, memorial donations may be made to Jessica Cox - either kites or financial gifts - and the kites will be distributed to children at an upcoming festival in her memory. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.