Our hearts may be broken, but we are thankful that Cheryl is resting peacefully in the arms of Jesus and walking the streets of heaven with her mom.

Cheryl Beth Haefner, age 64, of Madison Lake, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 2, 2021, at her home with family by her side.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 9, 2021, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato.   Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday at Northview – North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato and will continue one hour before service at the church on Thursday.  Interment will be in Woodland Hills Memorial Park, Mankato.   In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mayo Cancer Research and/or the National Brain Tumor Society.

Cheryl was born August 14, 1957, to Allan D. and Virginia M. (Boyington) Asleson in Mankato.  She graduated from Mankato East High School in 1975.  Cheryl was united in marriage to Gene G. Haefner on August 20, 1976, at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.  Cheryl was employed for 38 years at Minnesota State University - Mankato, retiring on June 28, 2019 from the business office. Cheryl was a blessing to so many people and touched the lives of others through her gift of kindness, gentle spirit, and infectious smile. Our lives will forever be better because she was part of it.

Cheryl enjoyed spending time at her family’s cabin on Lake Ballantyne, being with her grandchildren and attending their activities, watching the Minnesota Vikings, and especially her horses. One of her favorite places to go horseback riding was 7 Mile Creek, and taking the little ones on rides around the farmyard. Most of all, Cheryl loved her family. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was immensely proud of each one of them and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. Her joy, compassion and loving heart will live on in her children and grandchildren. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Gene; three children, Christopher (Kristina) Haefner of Shakopee, Joseph (Pamela) Haefner of Fairmont, and Joni Beth (John) Written of Prior Lake; eleven grandchildren, Joslyn, Veronica, Leo, Andrew, Alayna, Luke, Jake, Noah, Zack, Jaya and Jacob; father, Allan Asleson of Madison Lake; six siblings, David Asleson, Judy Anderson, Steve (Patty) Asleson, Gail (Bill) Vagts, Barb (Dave) Conrad, and Jane (Rich) Resutek; in-laws, Jerome (Janet) Haefner, Gary (Jane) Haefner, Nita (Chuck) Wallace, Rosemary (Dave) Brosch, Andy (Marcia) Haefner, Bill Haefner, LeeAnn (Jim) Johnson, and Barb (Parker) Purier; aunts, uncles, and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended family.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her mother, Virginia “Ginny” Asleson; sister-in-law, Donna Asleson; brother-in-law, Brian Anderson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Elfern and Jerome Haefner.