Cheryl "Cheri" Fretheim

1959 - 2025

Owatonna - Cheri completed her courageous two- and half-year battle with cancer on Sunday, October 5, 2025. She passed away peacefully at home with her dear friend Kaileigh, her dogs Hope, Tucker and Rubie at her side. She maintained a resilience, lighthearted spirit and sense of humor that helped her get through life's challenges.

Cheri had a selfless nature and a tendency to put others first. This compassion led her to dedicate over 30 years to the care of the elderly in Rochester and Owatonna. She made a positive difference for residents and their families during some of the most difficult years of their lives.

Cheri would often bring her dachshund Rosie with her to visit with residents on her own time because she believed animals could bring joy to our lives. Over the years, she fostered several dogs and volunteered at numerous shelters including a foster-based rescue, The Bond Between, formerly known as Secondhand Hounds.

Her love of sports was lifelong and included golf, softball, shooting darts and pool, and she spent as much time as she could camping or on the water, fishing and boating. She always enjoyed pull tabs and seemed to be very lucky. Those who knew her well, know that she was a truly dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan. SKOL!

Cheri was preceded in death by her father, Dean Fretheim, her younger sister Lisa Fretheim, her paternal and maternal grandparents.

Spending time with family and friends gave her great joy. Her great nieces, Kordelia, Iyla and nephew Kallahan were the lights of her life. Cheri is survived by her mother Shirley Fretheim, sister Debby Tresidder, niece Kristin Meyer (Peter), nephew Kevin Tresidder (Kourtney), aunts Gretchen Troge, June DeBuhr (Milt) and uncle, Harley Kittelson. She is also survived by her adopted family, Kaileigh Lyke, Kelly Louks (Dan), Alyssa Gillies (Billy), Jake Lyke (Jenna), Beau Wanous-Lyke and her dear friends Jane and Kevin McDougall.

Cheri requested that a private celebration of her life be held at a later date. She would ask that memorials be made to an animal rescue organization of your choosing or the American Cancer Society.

She asked that you wear something purple or your favorite Vikings gear, pour a beer and raise a glass in her memory.

Until we see her again, "we've got it from here Cheri!". For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.megercares.com