Cheri Ann Attenberger

Cheri Ann Attenberger passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025, at her home with her loving family by her side.

Born on April 16, 1962, in Sioux City, Iowa, she is the daughter of Jerold and Mary (Thole) Ellickson. She was raided in southern Minnesota, graduating from St. Peter High School. Following her graduation, she raised her three daughters in the St. Peter area and later relocating to Waseca. Throughout her life, she poured her energy into food service, working at Hillcrest in Mankato, Ginny Mae Donuts in St. Peter, and Taco John’s in Waseca. But saying Cheri simply loved to cook and bake doesn’t quite capture it—creating food was her love language, the way she cared for people. And she wasn’t just good at it… she was exceptional. Her famous tuna salad and potato salad were legendary—no family gathering was complete without them. And on the occasion she couldn’t be there in person, she still made sure those beloved dishes showed up, prepared and delivered. She loved to bake, happily disappearing into the kitchen for an entire day with her favorite music drifting through the room and family gathered around to help. Cheri loved to bake so much that she would dream up any excuse to gather her family close and cook up a feast. Christmas was her favorite holiday, every room glowed with red decorations, and her treasured Christmas village stood proudly on display.

Cheri was a deeply nurturing soul, the kind of woman who cared for everyone who crossed her path. Her door was always open, her home always had space for one more, and anyone who needed comfort knew they could find it with her. She made friends effortlessly wherever she went, giving of herself in ways both big and small, always with a generous heart. Being a grandmother was a role she treasured most of all; she was always by her grandchildren’s side, fully present and delighting in whatever adventures or activities captured their hearts.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Stephanie Attenberger, Stacy (Gary) Schaffer, and Shannon (Justin) Braun; grandchildren, Jackson, Cayden, Wyatt, Walker, and Aubrey; siblings, Mary Lynn Flowers, Cindy Flowers, Douglas (Tammy) Ellickson, Donna (John) Dunlap, Bonnie (Brad) Ellickson, Timothy (Amy) Ellickson, and Shelley (Monte) Heidebrink; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her twin brother, Gary Ellickson; brother-in-law, Jim Flowers, and nephews Daniel, Cody, and Lawson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM; Pastor Liz Rossing will officiate. Cheri’s family will greet guests at a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Cleveland Lutheran Cemetery.