Cheryl A. Keehn

Friday, June 8, 1962
Date of Death:
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Age:
53 years old
Cheryl A. Keehn
Cheryl Ann Keehn went to her eternal home on Wednesday, August 19, 2015; just the way she always hoped, in her sleep at her home on Lake Zumbro.
Cheryl was born on June 8, 1962 in Waseca, MN to Mario and Patricia Oftedahl. She moved with her family to the Spring Valley, MN area and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1980. She went on to attend beauty school, graduating in 1982. She met Paul Keehn, the love of her life, in 1984 and they were married on January 26, 1985 in Rochester, MN. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters (Moriah Ann and Sarah Lou).
Cheryl worked at Mayo Clinic for over 27 years, most recently in Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Cheryl was a passionate volunteer as a Board Member on the Rochester Water Ski Team, Lake Zumbro Improvement Association, Ladies of the Lake and Wounded Warriors Project. Paul works as a HVAC service technician in Rochester. Cheryl enjoyed pontoon rides, golfing, hanging out with friends and family on the lake and all the years traveling with the Rochester Water Ski Team/Ski Dox.
She is survived by her husband, Paul; daughters, Moriah and Sarah of Lake Zumbro; mother, Patricia Schwarz; brothers, Nels (Cindy) Oftedahl, Stewartville, MN and Dave (Lynette) Oftedahl, Rochester, MN; step-brothers, Jerry (Tierre) Schwarz, Spring Valley, MN and Mike (Deb) Schwarz, Fountain, MN; mother-in-law, Elaine Keehn, Lake Zumbro; brothers-in-law, Scott (Sue) Keehn, Alexandria, MN, Timothy (Kathy) Keehn, Minneapolis, MN; sisters-in-law, Holly Sleeper, Rochester, MN, Stacy (Brian) Veloske, Rochester, MN, Priscilla (Steven) Peterson, St. Anthony, MN; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and ‘ya all’!
She was proceeded in death by her father, her step-father (Harold Schwarz), step sister-in-law (Diane Schwarz), father-in-law (Robert Keehn) and brother-in-law (Kevin Sleeper).
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at Peace United Church of Christ from 2 pm to the time of service. Celebration of Life service will follow at 4 p.m. Officiated by Rev. Scott Keehn and Rev. Paul Bauch.
Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Condolences
The family of Cheryl A. Keehn has received the following condolences.
I worked with Cheryl for many years; Cheryl was always so positive and really sweet and I will miss her. I am so sorry for your loss.
Kate Lynch Bix
To the Family of Cheryl A. Keehn,
So sorry to learn about the loss of your Dear Loved One, Cheryl. Please know that so many people share your grief with you to help you through this difficult time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences as we await the time when Christ Jesus will awaken all of those who have fallen asleep in death; including your Beloved, Cheryl.
(John 11:41-44)
Paul and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We know you will miss Cheryl very much. Keep all the good memories most present in-mind and let any others be gone.
Our best wishes to all of you.
Kim and Cindy Cunningham
Paul, Our deepest sympathies go out to you & your family. Roger & Cindy Thompson
My thoughts and prayers are with you...
Cheryl was a beautiful person, woman, friend, wife, mother and co-worker. She will missed dearly by all...
Paul and girls,
We are so sorry for the loss of Cheryl. Our thoughts and prayer go out to you.
Jim and Cathy
Paul- Sorry for misspell. Regardless we are thinking and praying for you all. Sincerely Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp
Pauul, Holly and extended family of Cheryl Keehn- May Father in Heaven give you all peace. Bob and I will keep you all in thoughts and prayers! Blessings TO aLL! Bob and Jeanne Vehrenkamp
Paul
just wanted to add our last name from the earlier note.
Our thoughts are with you always.
Paul and girls,
we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. We were just shocked to hear of this and know that there are friends/family to help you when needed. Take this time to remember and embrace everything that is "Cheryl". We didn't know her well, but know thatshe was a great person and will be missed by all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the entire family at this time.
We were saddened to hear of Cheryl's untimely passing. She was a great supporter of all things related to the improvement of our wonderful Lake Zumbro community. She will be missed. Please accept our condolences to Paul and family.
Paul, Moriah and Sarah,
I am still in shock and disbelief on losing the most loving and caring wife, mom, daughter and friend. Cheryl means the world to me and was the best mom I knew! Watched her raise those two girls into great young ladies! Cheryl would do anything for her family and friends! As I am flying out here and remembering all the great times we had at work or outside of work, it breaks my heart but now she is with our Heavenly Father and a beautiful Angel watching over us! I will miss you so much my friend! I love you Cheryl! Moriah and Sarah, I am always here for you girls! Love you girls!
Cheryl, my beautiful friend and neighbor there are no words for the sadness we all feel in our hearts. The fun times we shared with the kids in their younger days will be remembered fondly.... Trick or treating , sledding, Alexa's & Sarah's goofy videos, so much more:). Ray and I will especially miss our spontaneous get togethers with you and Paul. (Pontoon rides, uncle johns, going to vote in Hammond, & occasional dinners together. We love you and will always be there for Paul and your two beautiful daughters. Your light will shine on and you will forever be present in your family and friends hearts. Hugs to Heaven, The Ashworths
Cheryl was a beautiful soul. She always had a smile, hug and encouraging words no matter how long it had been since she'd seen you last. Spring Valley High School is where we met, we were both in the same graduating class, 1980. My life is richer for having known Cheryl. Her last message to me was to keep in touch. She didn't know that that would be the last time we chatted, but I'm going to stay true to our promise to keep in touch by reaching out to my 1980 Classmates, keeping the 5 year reunion tradition and connecting will all I can that are friends and loved ones. Peace and comfort to Cheryl's family - they will always be welcome at all of the 1980 Class events.
Sincerely,
Melissa Blanchard - Cheryl I'll never forget you and will always be thankful for the gift of your friendship.
Dear Paul & Family,
Cheryl was one of the kindest and sweetest person we knew--she will be missed by so many that loved her.
She has been a great volunteer and champion for the Lake Zumbro Improvement Assoc., Lake Restoration and Ski Team/Ski Dox.
She organized the Lake Zumbro Garage Sale that brought in well over $2,000 that went to Lake Zumbro Restoration Project.
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow to you, Paul, Moriah, Sarah and your family as you get through this difficult time.
You have many friends on Lake Zumbro-- please call if you need anything.
Take Care, see you soon-- Shirley & Terry Lee
Paul, Moriah and Sarah,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Cheryl was a light in so many lives and she will be missed by everyone who was ever fortunate enough to know her. She loved you all so much and was so proud of you. She inspired us all to want to do more, be better, be kinder, take care of your family and your neighbors. She had a truly inspiring spirit. We send all of you our love and condolences at this sad time and pray for your strength, healing and peace.
Brett and Debbie
Paul and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I am sure you have many wonderful memories and hope these will warm your heart through the days ahead. Don and Jeannine Hadley
Paul, Sarah & Moriah: Such a tragedy yet how touching and remarkable that Cheryl has inspired such good and wonder in everyone she knew. We all share your pain. We all want to fuel your strength.
We send our love and condolences to all of you. It is with very sad hearts we are praying for you and that God will help you through this. You have many friends and we love you all.
I'm so sorry for your loss. She will be missed terribly. Bless you all
So sorry to hear of your loss. May fond memories and the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days, my most heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Nels and families.... So sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that in heaven there is no more sorrow, sickness or death. You are in our thoughts and prayers. In Christ's Love, Alvin & Donna Rudlong
So very sorry for your loss Paul ,its been a very long time since I have seen you .I wish my first comunication with you after all this time wasn't because of such a sad situation .Take care old friend Scott
We share in the shock and sadness of darling Cheryl's passing, our hearts are aching for your entire family, especially Paul and the girls. May her life live on within them.
Liz Knutson (Kathy Keehn's sister)
Paul, I know it has been many years since our River Days but my thought and prayers go out to you at the loss of your wife. Your old friends are able and willing to help you out in this difficult time in your life. Jim Blum
So sorry for your loss. Cheryl was always a pleasure to work with. She will be missed by many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Cheryl was a beautiful person and always fun to be around, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
So sorry for your loss!
I worked really closely with Cheryl for many years and it's hard for me to imagine work without her there. She always had such a positive outlook on things, worked hard and was always willing to help others. She was so proud of you, Moriah and Sarah. Her love for her family, friends and neighbors was evident through all of the stories she shared. She will be so missed!
I worked really closely with Cheryl for many years and it's hard for me to imagine work without her there. She always had such a positive outlook on things, worked hard and was always willing to help others. She was so proud of you, Moriah and Sarah. Her love for her family, friends and neighbors was evident through all of the stories she shared. She will be so missed!
There are going to be so many things about Cheryl that Mike and I are going to miss. Her presence especially. But just her laugh, crying insistsntly over things. Which could almost bring Mike to tears. Her enthusiasm for life. Her willingness to be involved in so many things and wanting in general for people to be happy. Mike has always adored Cheryl as his sister. I remember Cheryl always saying she didn't like the step part to being brother or sister because her and Mike were as true brother and sister. I couldn't possibly tell someone how many times since we have been married Mike saying "Cheryl is a sweetheart"
Most important she so loved Paul, Moriah and Sarah. And I know she will live on in them till the day you meet again.
Paul, Sarah, Moriah,
My thoughts are with you all during this overwhelmingly difficult time. Lean on each other and your dear family and friends during these next weeks/months.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Paul, Moriah, Sarah and all of Cheryl's beloved family,
You are in our thoughts and deep prayers as we try to comprehend the loss of your beautiful Cheryl. Our hearts ache for you and with you.
In God's love,
Susan & Dana McAdams
Bette McNeil Hargrave
Chandler, Arizona
To Paul and family, I think we can speak for our entire lake community when we say that we are all in shock to lose such a beautiful person like Cheryl so soon.
She had been so helpful with the Lake Zumbro restoration project over the years. Her attitude of "never say quit" was truly appreciated. In the past, she had been a Representative on the Lake Zumbro Improvement Association and this year, she was the queen organizer of our Lake Rummage Sale which provided funds to the restoration project. She was very humble and never wanted to take credit for any of her contributions. It's an understatement when we say, she will be missed.
Sheldon and Alicia King
Lake Zumbro
Paul and girls and the entire family: We are so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. Cheryl and I worked together at the Airport and became inseparable and had so much fun together. We were in each other's wedding and we loved it that most people thought we were sisters. She will be deeply missed by many. Life just doesn't seem fair sometimes but we all have wonderful memories of Cheryl. Please accept our deepest sympathy. Deb and Dewey Nesler
Paul, Moriah and Sarah - Cheryl was one of my first friends when I moved from the city to the lake country. It was so nice having someone out there with 2 girls the same ages, and watching them grow up together. Cheryl was someone that would always have something to give if you mentioned anyone needing anything - blankets, clothes, food, a babysitter - she seemed to be a wealth of helpfulness at a moment's notice, always filled with ideas on how to make things better for others. People are brought into our lives for a reason, and hers clearly was to bring sunshine, kindness, giving and hope to others in the world. I'm sure her love and bright attitude will continue to shine on through her daughters. It is sad to have her gone from life so soon, and I wish you comfort and peace knowing that you were truly blessed to have her for your wife and mother. Tonia
So very sad to here about Cheryl. She was always very friendly and happy to help a neighbor when needed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She will be missed by her lake friends.
God gained a beautiful angel. Cheryl will be missed by everyone she touched. Sending love, prayers, and hugs to you all.
Love
Jason, Mary, Mara, and Myla
I am so sad about Cheryl 's journey much much too soon to the Lord. Cheryl was a great friend when Nicole and I lived across the lake on Ryan ' s Bay. Nicole loved her time with Marah and Sarah. Cheryl was so kind and a good friend. She always had a smile even when she had back discomfort. Such a fun, humorous, and loving woman. Her gentleness and smile will be remembered the rest of my life. May God give you strength!
Sheri Krueger
We are so very sorry and shocked to hear about Cheryl's death. We knew and worked with Cheryl when we were members of Peace Church. We will never forget her sweet smile and her willingness to be of help in any way that she could. She was one of the most caring, loving person we have ever known. Our hearts go out to her beautiful daughters, her loving husband, and the rest of the family. May they find comfort in the memories. She will truly be missed. Ron and Carol Moore
Paul and family Don and I are so sad to hear of Cheryl leaving you all so soon in life. It is a shock to all who knew and loved her. When I think of her I will always remember that she was always smiling and a happy person. She was a great person to engage in conversations with and spoke dearly and fondly of her family. You are all in our prayers and will continue to be. Know that she will be watching over you all now as you heal in her loss.
Love Deb and Don
Paul, Moriah and Sarah,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Cheryl's passing, but I know your grief is more than I can comprehend. She was a beautiful soul and blessed us all with her poise, positivity and presence. May your tears of sadness be supplemented with tears of laughter from wonderful memories that will help her spirit live on.
Hugs to you all,
Lisa
I am heart broken to hear the news. Cheryl had such a beautiful spirit. God grant you peace. You have my deepest sympathies.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the family! We are so very sorry for you loss. I don't think we every saw Cheryl without a smile on her face. May all your memories
warm your heart.
Dave and Cindy Pelowski
Dear Paul and girls. I worked with your mom since 2004. She was a wonderful colleague as she was always willing to help when I had a work situation.
She always had a smile on her face when we would greet one another. My thoughts and prayers to you all and the rest of her family during this difficult time.
The memories you have of her will keep her alive in your hearts daily. Sending a hug to each of you. regards, Ellen Kruger
So sorry to hear about your loss. Cheryl was always so kind and such a pleasure to work with.
Paul, Moriah & Sarah, our hearts are heavy for this sad news as someone so dear gone to soon. Cheryl's smile truly showed her beauty inside and out. God has gained a special angel. Prayers and hugs for all of you and the extended family for strength for the days ahead.
Greg & Cathy Amundson
Sarah and family...I am so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose your mom....and she was much too young. May God's arms comfort you with His peace at this time. Joanne
My heart aches with sadness for you all. I had the pleasure of working with Cheryl for many years in MML. Her bright smile and personality were enjoyed by many. May God hold you in his arms, help you to understand and have peace. My deepest sympathies to you all.
Paul and family,
We were shocked and saddened to learn of Cheryl's passing. She was a very special person and dear friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you find peace and strength from the support of your friends and family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. I work out at Superior Drive, and from my very first day Cheryl was so patient with me as I was trying to learn the ropes. I was always appreciative of that and try now to do the same when someone new starts in my area. Cheryl always had a smile on her face and was a treasure to work with. God bless you all. Heaven definitely has another angel now.
So sorry for your loss. May memories comfort you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
So sorry for your loss. May memories comfort you during this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Paul, Moriah and Sarah,
Im sadden to hear the news of Cheryl's passing. She was a great person and friend when I lived on ryans bay. She loved you all very much and I know the days ahead will be very difficult. Lean on each other and she will be with you all in spirit! Your all in my prayers.
Love Shannon Ramthun
Shelbey, Parker and Conner
Such sad news ...sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. She was always so kind ,and made us feel welcome whenever we saw her. Her smile lit up her face and her giggle was contagious. Our thoughts, hugs and prayers go out to you!
Tami, Norm, Mackenzie, Hannah, and Allie Doty
Words are difficult to express the sorrow I feel. My heart is broken and heavy for Moriah, Sara, Paul and Cheryl's family. Family meant so much to Cheryl. I will miss her dearly as she was truly the sweetest soul. God has an angel with a beautiful smile and heart of gold. I will miss you my friend~
I was so sad to hear of Cheryl's passing.
From the day she first joined our class in Spring Valley she had a smile and a laugh
that will forever be etched in many hearts.
My prayers are with her family through this difficult journey.
May God Bless your family as you grieve the loss of Cheryl A. Keehn.
She was such a wonderful women to know with a smile for everyone she met.
With kind regards,
Sharon Mc Gill
Our hearts are broke. A million memories came flooding back and all the sweeter when she was in them!! Paul, you and your girls and family have all our thoughts and prayers! We truly feel blessed that We knew Cheryl. She is a person that made a difference!
Mike and Sue Allhiser
Love, prayers, and hugs sent to you all. Cheryl was such a beautiful person on the inside and out. She was always so kind, caring, thoughtful, and generous. God gained a very special angel yesterday. She will be missed by so many. Sending strength your way to get through these next few days.
Deepest sympathy to Paul, Moriah, Sarah and the rest of the family. We are truly going to miss her kindness and her smiles as they were always present. Love and prayers
Cheryl's presence in all of our lives, will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are for her family, Paul, Moriah, and Sarah, and all who loved her. She was such a big part of our Lake Zumbro family, our neighbor across the bay. Many wonderful memories of times we've spent with her at lake gatherings. Her absence will be felt by everyone on the lake.
our hearts go out to all of the family, especially Paul and the girls. Cheryl will always be remembered as a go getter with a sweet smile. Our special thoughts and prayers be with you.
Cheryl was a beautiful person, both inside & out. I love this family more then words can say.
Know that my family is thinking of all of you & our prayers are for you to find comfort at this sad time
Love Mike Benike
I just want you all to know that I was blessed to have had Cheryl in my life. I had the opportunity to spend time with her at our class reunion this past weekend. I still can't believe that this has happened. She was a beautiful person.... she will be greatly missed.
Debbie