Cheryl Rae Norquist, 61, of Canby, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at the Sylvan Court Nursing Home in Canby, MN after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral service will be 11 am on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Canby with Rev. Levi Bollerud officiating. Visitation will be Friday, November 14th from 5 – 7 pm with a Prayer Service at 7 pm at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN and will resume Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church. The Housemand Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby is handling the arrangements.
Cheryl was born on Dec. 30, 1963, to Marlys and Darrell Norquist. She grew up in Kindred, North Dakota, and graduated from Valley City High School in 1982. She later earned her degree in Medical Technology from the University of North Dakota. Cheryl was a devoted mother to her daughter Jenna, but she was truly born to be a grandmother. Her five grandchildren- Hadley, Falon, Piper, Tripp and Wells – lovingly called her “Mingey”. Being their mingey was her greatest joy, and nothing made her more proud than those five little lives. She loved spending time with Jenna and her grandchildren, cheering them on in everything they ever did. She was their loudest cheerleader in the stands and the warmest hug waiting at the end. She never missed an opportunity to watch them play, perform, or simply be kids- those moments were her greatest treasure. Throughout her life, Cheryl dedicated herself to caring for others. She worked as a caregiver in numerous settings, Open Door Center, REM, Sylvan Place, and Henningsgaard’s Little House, and also took care of her mother. She was able to tie her faith into her work life by working as an office manager in two churches, Faith Lutheran (Valley City) and Our Saviour’s (Canby). Most recently she opened a Nutrition Club up in Dawson, where she quickly became a source of support, encouragement, and friendship to anyone who walked through the door. Cheryl had the ability to make a five-minute conversation into an hour-long connection without even trying! But her true gift was making every person feel seen, welcome, and important. Cheryl will be remembered for her unselfish heart, unwavering strength, and deep motivation to provide. She was never broken by negativity, always finding a way to lift others up even during her own hardest moments. She lived her life driven to help others, serving faithfully, and loving unconditionally. Cheryl sacrificed for her family without hesitation, embodying what it means to be a wonderful mother and the best mingey ever. She was a supportive presence, a safe place, and a best friend to so many.
She is survived by her daughter, Jenna; her sister, Stacy; her grandchildren; nephew, Zachary; and many dear friends who became family along the way. She is preceded in death by her father, Darrell; mother, Marlys; brother, Scott; as well as aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
