Colann Beth York German

Most obituaries read like a timeline-a list of dates, locations, and names. But if you want to understand the actual truth of our mother's life, you won't find it in the public records. You will find it in us, her children.

She signed up for the most grueling, relentless, and profoundly beautiful job on the planet: she was our Mother. She didn't just raise us; she forged us. When the world was heavy, she absorbed the weight. When things were broken, she was the anchor. She sacrificed her own comfort, quieted her own fears, and built a wall of absolute safety around us so that we could figure out how to stand on our own.

After launching us into adulthood, she turned to her own career and accomplished her dream of becoming a Nurse. It was during that time she found the love of her life, Jim German. Together, after moving to Arizona, they found happiness and companionship while raising two mini schnauzer puppies, exploring National Parks, and just being that fun, goofy, semi-retired couple.

After helping her through the loss of Jim, she helped us navigate through our own midlife crises before moving back to Minnesota. From then she was able to have wild and crazy adventures around the area with her friends & family, hosted Amanda's wedding, took a handgun lesson, went indoor skydiving, and fulfilled a bucket list dream by taking a trip with Paul to the Iditarod Sled Dog Race where she got to ride in a sled behind a team of dogs, fly in an Alaskan Bush plane, soak in a hot springs, and take in the Northern Lights.

This is not a standard notice of passing. This is a standing ovation from her children for a lifetime of work perfectly executed, a mission entirely accomplished, and a victory lap worthy of the effort.

Colann Beth York-German, age 73, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away on February 25, 2026, at home surrounded by her children.

She is survived by her children, Amanda Dige (Kelli) and Paul Dige; her step-children, Geoff German, Tara German (Michael), and Dylan German (Kylynn); her seven grandchildren, Zoey, Warren, Wyatt, Logan, Carys, Saoirse, and Mina; her brother, Jerry York; her sister-in-law, Jane German; and many nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James German; her parents, Sidney and Clara York; and her brothers, Terry York and Thomas York.

Service Information A graveside service is planned for late May at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Canton, Illinois, where she will be laid to rest next to James. Details regarding the exact date and time will be shared by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, or the Schnauzer Rescue of Minnesota.