Cheryl L. Vessey
Tuesday, July 24, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Tuesday, July 24, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Tuesday, July 24, 1951
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Age:
74 years old
Cheryl L. Vessey
Cheryl Louise Vessey, 74, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully, with her children by her side, on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Bay Harbor Senior Living in La Crescent, Minnesota, after a courageous journey with Lewy body dementia.
Cheryl was born July 24, 1951, in Rochester, Minnesota, to Marvin and Marvis (Bergman) Muller. She grew up in Rochester and graduated from John Marshall High School. Cheryl went on to work at IBM. After retirement from 32 years at IBM as an Administrative Assistant, Cheryl worked at Ell Boutique until 2020. Cheryl also spent many hours as a volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and Mayo Clinic Caring Hands, offering comfort to patients. She was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, and the many friendships she formed throughout her career.
In 1971, Cheryl married Craig Vessey. Together they raised two children. Though they later divorced, Cheryl and Craig remained close friends and shared a lifelong connection.
Cheryl lived life with energy and joy. She loved animals, especially dogs and had a deep appreciation for nature. She found happiness in the simple beauty of birds, as well as in running, hiking, and biking. Cheryl was very social and cherished time spent with friends over coffee or lunch. Her passion for health and fitness was a lifelong commitment.
Her greatest joy was her family. Cheryl treasured time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and nothing brought her more happiness than being part of their lives.
Faith was a cornerstone of Cheryl’s life. She was a devoted member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester and loved the church’s music ministry. During her illness, Cheryl leaned on her faith and looked to the Lord for strength and comfort. Even as she faced the challenges of Lewy body dementia, she showed remarkable grace, courage, and hope for the place where she believed she was going.
Cheryl was known for her vibrant smile and contagious laugh. An extrovert by nature, she had a loving, compassionate spirit and a gentle, nurturing heart. Even through her own struggles, she had a gift for bringing joy and encouragement to those around her.
She is survived by her children, Jennifer (Scott) Anderson and Todd (Jessica) Vessey; grandchildren Annika (Myer) VanEssen, Morgan (Asa) Nelson, Drew Vessey, and Elise Vessey; great-grandchildren Andrew and Henry Nelson and Remmington VanEssen, with another great-grandson VanEssen on the way; sister Kristen (Greg) Rausch; nieces Alyson (Ben) Fischer, Emily (Jon) Van Schyndel, and Katie (Neal) Tovsen; nephew Jeff (Jennifer) Lacey; great-nieces and nephews Corrine Fischer, Sebastian and Ada Tovsen, and Dylan Lacey; and her former husband and close friend, Craig Vessey.
She was preceded in death by her sister, MaryKay Lacey; brother-in-law, David Lacey and her parents.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Bethel Lutheran Church, 810 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Michael Mandsager will be officiating, and burial will take place at the Bethel Lutheran Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Croix Hospice, 1175 Centre Pointe Circle, Mendota Heights, MN 55120 or Lewy body Dementia Association at https://lbda.org/
To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Sign Guestbook
Send your condolences to the family of Cheryl L. Vessey.
At the family's request, Macken Funeral Home will publish your message on this website.
Condolences
The family of Cheryl L. Vessey has received the following condolences.
My heart is broken over the passing of Cheryl. She was a true friend and a shining example of kindness and warmth. Her passing will leave a void in the lives of all who knew her. May the memories of her generosity, compassion and love for her family bring you comfort and peace.
Our heartfelt condolences on Cheryl's passing. She'll be fondly remembered as having a friendly presence. May her warmth, kindness, and strength live on in the many lives she touched. Our sympathies to the entire family.
I met Cheryl when I also was working at IBM. She had a generous spirit and was professional and helpful. She smiled often. She was a lovely person and I send my condolences to her family.
Bernie and I were so sorry to hear of Cheryl's passing. Cheryl and I went to school together and we would see each other on occasion and catch up in the years that followed. I also knew Marv and Marvis as well. Our sympathies to your family and we pray that the comfort of knowing that Cheryl is pain free and home with our Lord carries you through.
Prayers and sympathy,
Bernie & Sherry (Schuster) Pelinka
To Craig ,Jennifer ,Todd and Kris and all family members
Joann and myself are so sorry for the loss of Cheryl we treasure the time and memories we shared together the Alexander vacations will always have a special place in our hearts just having Cheryl as a friend was a honor and blessing we will always have a place in our hearts heart for her and the Vessey family God bless from Irv and Joann Keefe
Thinking of Cheryl's family with extra love. I'm cherishing the memories of our time together at John Marshall. She was such a lovely person.
Cheryl was a beautiful person (inside and out). We worked together at Mayo in the Pulmonary lab (prior to her working at IBM). I have not seen her recently but heard she had health issues.
Sending hugs to her family!
I had the pleasure of working with Cheryl many years ago and she her mentorship and kindness was never forgotten.
God Bless her and the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Cheryl was a wonderful co-worker at IBM. We had many great times at work!
Cheryl was a beautiful blessing to me since my childhood. Always loving, always kind and always smiling. God was gracious in giving her grace, fortitude and compassion. She will remain in my heart forever.
cheryl and i worked together at ibm. always a smile and a friendly chat whenever we ran into each other. she was a gem, and i'm sure her family will miss her immensely. hugs and prayers, cindy macrafic
My sincere condolences.
I got to know Cheryl through my now wife Karen. I found Cheryl to be a thoroughly delightful person. Her description in the obituary is well done and accurate. May her soul RIP.
To Cheryl’s family,
I worked with Cheryl for many years at IBM. As her obituary says, she was a very kind, fun and hard working person and it showed. Blessings to all of you during this difficult time.
Janet Swenson
My condolences to Cheryl’s family. She was such a special lady, what a sweetheart. I worked with Cheryl at IBM. She was always nice to work with and visit with. I did see her a few times after IBM and caught up on our lives. This news brings tears to my eyes. She will be missed by all who knew her.
So sorry to hear about Cheryl’s passing. I met her when our paths crossed at Ell boutiques. She was the seasoned professional, I was the newbie. I remember her always with a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone, and of course, a stylish outfit. She was class through and through.
On our many visits to see Marv and Marvis, and family weddings, my wife,peg, and I always found time with Cheryl great fun. She was a joy to be around. Great memories going back many years.
Cheryl was my first friend when we came to Rochester in 1955. The Muller family lived across the street and welcomed us into the neighborhood. I remember good times with Cheryl and the family. I’ve always been happy to be considered her friend.
Cheryl was a very special person and friend! We had so much fun together and I miss those fun times we had. She was so kind and loving! My heartfelt condolences to her family - her family was so special to her and she enjoyed sharing stories and pictures of her grandchildren!! ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
I am thankful for having known Cheryl as she was a wonderful and fun person. Her smile remains with me. My Condolences to her sister Kris and her family. And my condolences to her children Jennifer and Todd and to their families. May every good memory bring peaceful healing to your hearts.
Jena Browning Townsend