Madelene Romich, 80, a resident of Round Lake Heights, IL, passed away May 4, 2026 at Advocate Lutheran General in Park Ridge, IL. She was born April 11, 1946 in Mellen, WI to Delbert and Ruth Podhola.

Boots grew up in different parts of the country settling in Round Lake Heights in the 1950’s where she resided until passing. Boots had a young brother Steve and a sister Roberta for whom she loved dearly. Boots worked for McDonald’s (Karis Management) for 46 years. She also served as a Trustee for the Village of Round Lake Heights from 1981-1989. She loved being a mother to Bud, Wayne and Jaime. She loved being a grandmother and was an aunt and a great friend to many. She loved cats and did a spay and stay program in her community. She loved flowers and gardening. Boots' steadfast relationship with the Lord gave her strength and comfort. 

Boots is survived by her sister, Roberta (Deno) Whisenant, her children Bud (Elva Julio) Kowalski, Wayne Kowalski, and Jaime (Kurt) Freiler, her grandchildren Steven Kowalski, Luis Julio, Jade Julio, Crystal Julio, Alex Kowalski, Austin Kowalski, Sheila Nolan, Andrea Kowalski and many nieces and nephews.

Boots is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Ruth, her husband, James Romich, and brother, Steve Podhola, nephew Scott Podhola and daughter in law Bonnie Kowalski.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  All funeral arrangements were entrusted to Strang Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 410 E. Belvidere Rd. Grayslake, IL 60030.  For more information log onto www.strangfuneral.org or contact (847)223-8122.