Cheryl K. Tschaekofske, age 64, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully with husband, Loran at her side, on Sunday evening, January 23, 2022, at their home.
A Christian Funeral will be held on Friday, January 28, at 11 am, with a visitation from 10-10:45 am, both at Immanuel Lutheran Church on Fish Lake, 20200 Fairlawn Avenue, Prior Lake. Reverend Dr. Brent L. Parrish will preside. Cheryl’s pallbearers will be her family, Mark Tschaekofske, Andrew Heinen, Reid Huckle, Kasey Huckle, Pat Klein, and Allen Klein. She will be laid to rest at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.
Cheryl Kay was born on July 18, 1957, to Anton and Caroline (Frank) Klein. Born and raised in Dickinson, North Dakota, she was the second oldest of nine children. The Klein’s were a close-knit family. Cheryl and her siblings spent countless hours playing outside, especially baseball. It was like having their own baseball team built within their family. Through the years, the Klein’s enjoyed the many gatherings with relatives. As a group, Cheryl and her family also enjoyed traveling around the region.
Cheryl graduated from Dickinson High School, in 1975. Cheryl began to further her education in nursing. While attending college classes, she met the love of her life, Loran Tschaekofske. The love story instantly began and on June 25, 1977, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Dickinson, they were united in Holy Matrimony. Cheryl and Loran soon welcomed children, Kimberly, Mark, and Krista. Besides being a mother, she worked at St. Luke’s Nursing Home for many years. Cheryl eventually took a new career path and worked several years as a PARA in the Dickinson school district. In 1992, Cheryl and her family moved to St. Cloud, MN, where Cheryl worked 22 years, as a receptionist at Centra Care Health. In 2015, Cheryl and Loran, moved to Prior Lake. The last 4 ½ years, she worked for Minnesota Oncology, as a receptionist, until Cheryl retired in October 2021.
Cheryl had a high joyful spirit. A love for music, she could be found in the home singing, dancing, and saying, “Let me entertain you!” As the children grew, Cheryl was an active mother. Many precious memories for the children were spending the summers swimming. She loved talking about family stories over and over. Her life was blessed becoming a grandmother! The grandchildren brought Cheryl so much happiness and loved being in their presence. As a couple, Cheryl and Loran loved to travel, with fondest memories to Hawaii and visiting Krista and her family in Japan.
An avid reader, Cheryl had either a book or the Nook tablet in her hands. She kept a very well organized and clean home. Everything had its place. Cheryl was a social bug and could strike up a conversation with anyone. She was kind, empathic and knew how people should be treated. Cheryl had such an approachable personality. These characteristics shined brightly especially working with the elder population, in their final moments of life. In 2015, Cheryl was told she had only six weeks to live. With a strong, determined personality and deep faith in God, she proved the doctors wrong.
Cheryl will always be remembered and cherished by husband, Loran; daughter, Kimberly (Andrew) Heinen and their baby coming in March; son, Mark (Carol) Tschaekofske and his daughter, Olivia Shaninghouse; daughter, Krista (Reid) Huckle and their children, Morgan and Kasey; siblings, Kathy (John) Klaman, MaryAnn Klein, Caroline Klein, Kevin (Dina) Klein, Pat (Susan) Klein, Allen (Teresa) Klein; brother-in-law, Walt Kanoff; other relatives and friends.
Greeting Cheryl home in heaven are her parents, Anton and Caroline; sisters, Bonnie Klein and Antoinette Kanoff.
