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.
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The family of Cheryl L. Vessey has received the following condolences.
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