Colleen Ziwicki(Freundschuh)

life story

A Loving Mother, Daughter,sister and friend.

Colleen Ann Ziwicki

Colleen Ann Ziwicki, of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026. Originally from Blaine, MN. Colleen was a loving partner, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose quick wit, humor, and loving personality brought joy to the people around her.

Colleen graduated from Blaine High School and went on to earn a degree in Journalism from St. Cloud State University. She built a successful career as a writer, working for several prominent newspapers. Her talent for writing and her love of words were an important part of who she was throughout her life.

In her retirement years, Colleen especially cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. She loved being part of their lives and treasured the memories they made together. She also developed a passion for genealogy, enjoying the process of researching and discovering the stories and connections that made up her family’s history. She also loved spending her days with her dog Bella.

Colleen will be remembered most for her funny and loving personality. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a way of making people laugh, often bringing lightness and warmth to those around her. Her humor was one of the things that made her so special and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Colleen is survived by her partner, John Schoeller; her daughter, Kelli (Neil) Athmann; her son, Brian Ziwicki (Amanda Nerison); and her beloved grandchildren, Brody, 14; Tate, 12; and Ryder, 8.

She is also survived by her siblings, Mark and Julie Freundschuh, Laura Freundschuh, Pam and Al Goracke, Tim and Tracy Freundschuh, and Alice and Scott Dupay, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will carry her memory with them.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Ann Freundschuh; her sister, Janet Wilhelm; and her brother, John Freundschuh, and baby brother Anthony.

Colleen leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, love, and family memories. She will be remembered not only for the life she built and the words she wrote, but for the laughter she shared and the love she gave so freely.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday September 26th, 10am visitation and 11am service @ Hope Church.

1264 109th Ave NE

Minneapolis, MN 55434

United States

Please wear some green to celebrate Colleen’s love for her Irish Heritage.