Cheryl (Gunderson) Heaton

October 28, 1947 – November 13, 2025 (Age 78)

Cheryl "Cheri" Heaton, age 78, of Anoka, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home with her loving husband, Dale "Tom" Heaton, by her side.

Cheri was born on October 28, 1947, in Ada, Minnesota, and grew up in Clear Lake, MN. She graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School and later built a life full of love, family, and creativity. She and Tom married young and shared nearly 60 years together — a partnership rooted in humor, devotion, and deep care.

Cheri was a homemaker who also worked in several gift shops and as a school bus para, where her warmth and kindness brightened everyone's day. She loved crafting, shopping on QVC, and, most of all, giving gifts. Her family will fondly remember her thoughtful cards, her beautifully wrapped presents topped with handmade bows, and her endless collection of Hallmark ornaments — each one chosen with care and love.

She is survived by her husband, Dale "Tom" Heaton; daughters Shelly (Ryan) Wermerskirchen and Melissa (Jason) Sanders; grandchildren Angela Stanek, Heather Stanek, Alexis Sanders, and D'Artagnan Sanders; siblings Tammy (Tim) Wurst, Terry Gunderson, and Karen (Marvin) Heaton. She was preceded in death by her father, Carroll Gunderson; her mother, Adrienne Gunderson; nephew Scott Orgon; and siblings Randy Gunderson and Roslyn Orgon.

Cheri's love for family, her joyful generosity, and her sparkle — especially at Christmas — will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.

A celebration of Cheri's life will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 with a visitation from 10 AM - 11 AM and the Service starting at 11 AM at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay St. NW, Andover, MN 55304.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Disabled American Veterans, Second Harvest Heartland, or Salvation Army in Cheri's name.

Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home - Andover, MN - 763-767-7373 - www.thurston-deshaw.com