Cheryl Jane Danielson

Cheryl Danielson, 71, of Zumbrota, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home following an illness she faced with determination, courage, and strength. Cheryl was born on May 13, 1955, to Dale and Betty Drenckhahn. She was raised on the family farm and was proud to call Zumbrota home. Cheryl’s strong work ethic was evident throughout her life. She spent 20 years working at St. Marys Hospital before successfully owning and operating a car detailing and home cleaning business for 30 years.While in high school, Cheryl met the love of her life, David Danielson. The two were married on June 21, 1971, beginning a life together filled with love, family, and countless memories. During their 55 years of marriage, David and Cheryl were blessed with four children and nine grandchildren. More than anything, family was the heart of Cheryl’s life. She loved her children deeply, but there was something especially precious about the bond she shared with her grandchildren. She was their biggest supporter and one of their most familiar faces in the stands, audience, or wherever life happened to take them.If there was an activity, game, concert, or event, Cheryl did everything she could to be there. Sometimes that meant two teams, two different activities, and two different towns all in the same day, but somehow, Grandma made it happen. She simply didn’t want to miss a thing. She was always just a phone call away, whether someone needed a ride, a shopping partner, someone to play a card game with, a few treats, or simply needed Grandma. Whatever was needed, Cheryl was there. Those everyday moments, which seemed so ordinary at the time, will now be among the memories her family treasures most. 

Cheryl will be deeply missed by so many, but especially by the family she loved with her whole heart. She is survived by her husband, David, who loved and adored her unconditionally; her children, Pam Holzer, Mike (Tris) Danielson, Jessica (Ben) Lochner, and Jeff (Karrie) Danielson; and her beloved grandchildren, Dylan (Masen) and Krista Holzer, Chase (Bailey) and Carter Danielson, Blake, Kaleb, and Chloe Lochner, and Reese and Riley Danielson.She is also survived by her twin sister, Sheri Drenckhahn, and sister, Mindy (Trey) Drenckhahn, as well as her mother-in-law, Ladonna Danielson, and brothers- and sisters-in-law who loved her dearly and her beloved dog, Oaklee, who brought her endless love and companionship. 

While saying goodbye brings tremendous sadness, her family finds comfort in knowing Cheryl was welcomed into Heaven by the loved ones who went before her, including her parents, Dale and Betty Drenckhahn; her siblings, Robert, Mitch, Larry, and Lou; and members of the Danielson family, Arland, Larry, Denny, Steven, and Karen, as well as son-in-law Mark Holzer. Cheryl leaves behind a lifetime of love and a family forever changed by the way she cared for them. Her greatest legacy can be found in the people she loved, the memories she created, and the countless times she simply showed up. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and an extraordinary grandmother.

A memorial service for Cheryl will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota, MN. Visitation will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. prior to the service.