Cheryl Knickel

Cheryl Knickel, 77, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, entered into the arms of her Savior on February 23, 2026. Born on June 11, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa, Cheryl was baptized and confirmed at Lincoln Heights Lutheran Church, where her lifelong faith in Jesus Christ began and remained the steady foundation of her life.

Cheryl's story is, at its heart, a love story.

She met the love of her life, Jerry, while they were still in high school. They began dating in 1966 and were married in 1969, building a life marked by faith, loyalty, and unwavering commitment. Their marriage of more than five decades was a beautiful testimony to perseverance, devotion, and deep abiding love.

Cheryl was one of the strongest women many knew. She was strong in conviction, strong in love, and strong in spirit. She was generous, fiercely devoted to her family, and guided by a deep and abiding faith. A strong Christian woman, she lived what she believed. Her life reflected quiet service, steadfast prayer, and a heart anchored in Christ.

Her greatest calling was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She chose to stay home when her children were young, later opening her heart and home as a daycare provider, loving and nurturing countless little ones as if they were her own. She also worked for many years at a car dealership and later at Hartford Insurance, where her reliability and strong work ethic were evident in everything she did.

Above all else, Cheryl's world revolved around her family. She loved her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren fiercely. They were her joy, her purpose, and the center of her life. Family gatherings, milestones, and even the ordinary days were treasures to her.

She found happiness in crafts, creating beauty with her hands and pouring love into every project. She also enjoyed cruising, embracing both adventure and time away while always keeping her family close to her heart.

Cheryl is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry; her daughter, Julie Gesin and husband Matt, and their children Brady and Emelia; her son Jason and wife Lisa, and their children Taylor and Nicole; and her son Joel, and his children Alexis Haile and husband Kal, Zack, Carter, and Jordan. She was also blessed with three great grandchildren, Judah, Flora, and Elyon Haile, who brought her immeasurable joy and were a precious reminder of God's faithfulness across generations. She is further survived by her sister, Debbie Horton, and Debbie's family, along with many extended relatives and dear friends.

Her legacy is one of steadfast faith, fierce love, and enduring strength. Though her family grieves deeply, they find comfort in the promise Cheryl held tightly to throughout her life, that because of her faith in Christ, this is not goodbye but until we meet again.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Memorial service will be at 11 AM on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church 1000 Portland Ave.; St. Paul Park, MN with an hour visitation beginning at 10 AM. All are invited to a luncheon following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be directed to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church in memory of Cheryl.