Cheryl “Cheri” Kae (Wessels) Nielsen, age 60, of Redwood Falls, formerly of Windom, MN, passed away in the comfort of her own home on April 28, 2026. A Celebration of Cheri’s Life will be held at a later date. Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Cheryl “Cheri” Kae (Wessels) Nielsen was born to Jean (Hayne) Quade and Larry Wessels on May 22, 1965. She was the oldest of three children, including Leanne and Jodi, and she didn’t let anyone forget it. Her later teen years were spent causing trouble, but prior to that, she’d tell stories of being in the Girl Scouts with her sister Leanne, and her mom and Aunt Barb as troop leaders. She would help her dad and Uncle Dwayne go snapping turtle hunting, where Cheri had to hold the stick and pull the head out. She’d tell stories of riding her bike around Windom or swimming at the pool.

In 1987, at the age of 22, Cheri gave birth rather suddenly, to her first born, Justin. As a single mom she worked hard to build a life for the two of them. She had support from her mother Jean and step-father Roger, to care for Justin while she would work at The Happy Chef in Windom or PJ’s in Wilder. It was at PJ’s that she met Andy Nielsen. The couple were married on April 4th, 1992. On their first wedding anniversary, they had their daughter, Chelsey. The family primarily lived in Windom, Jeffers, and eventually Redwood Falls. This marriage ended in divorce in 2002. In 2005, she welcomed her youngest son, Cody. Cody was an anchor for Cheri, who kept her going.

While living in Redwood Falls, Cheri worked at Schoffman’s and Kibble Equipment. Over the course of her life Cheri enjoyed playing pool, darts, camping, and family kickball games! Cheri was always excited for music around the bonfire with her dad and uncle singing and playing the accordion, with backup by Justin on a guitar. She loved going to Chelsey’s gymnastics meets, and Cody’s baseball games. She always took great pride in Women’s Rights and being a “strong Hayne woman,” as modeled by her mother Jean. Later in life, Cheri was a budding movie and TV critic, always interested in a new show or movie, willing to share recommendations. She was a devoted Minnesota sports fan and rarely missed a game on TV.

Cheri is survived by her father and step-mother, Larry (Sue) Wessels; step-father, Roger Quade; three children: Justin Nielsen, Chelsey Lund & Cody Schoeder; two “grand babies,” Henry & James; two sisters, Leanne (Mark) O’Brien & Jodi Budge; two nieces, Jordan (Amy) Meany & Graycee Budge; nephew, Jacob Meany; as well as many other cousins, friends, and relatives. Cheri is preceded in death by her mother, Jean in 2001; brother-in-law, Mike Budge; beloved dog Taz; along with many other family members.