Cheryl Wermager, age 58, of Nisswa, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by love, on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.

Cheryl (Cher, Cheri) was born on February 16, 1967, in Wadena, Minnesota, to Fran Holt Leland and Denny Ahlfs. She grew up with a strong sense of family and faith, values that would remain at the heart of her life. Cheryl graduated from Detroit Lakes High School and soon after met the love of her life, Paul Wermager. Though Paul pursued her for two years before she finally agreed to date him, their bond was undeniable. They were married in 1987 and built a beautiful life together.

Cheryl was a devoted wife and an extraordinary mother to their two children, Tonya and Ben. Her family and their happiness were always her priority. She was the kind of mom whose home became a gathering place for friends—a door always open, a warm meal always possible, and a heart always ready to listen. For many, Cheryl was a safe space and a steady source of comfort.

When Cheryl became a grandmother, her heart grew even fuller. Her relationship with her granddaughter, Tayton, was deeply treasured and brought her immeasurable joy.

She had a joyful spirit and loved going above and beyond, especially during the holidays. Cheryl had a gift for making life feel special, and she poured her caring and generous nature into everyone around her, and so many people have said that walking into the Wermager home felt like a warm hug. She was kind, a natural nurturer, forgiving and always up for fun, leaving behind countless memories filled with laughter and love.

Cheryl's faith carried her through life, and her legacy is one of love, grace, and service to others. While we mourn her passing, we also rejoice in the promise that she is now at peace in the arms of her Savior.

Cheryl will be deeply missed by her husband, Paul Wermager; her children, Tonya Wermager (Codey Schellin) and Ben Wermager (Gracie Tiede); her granddaughter, Tayton; her mother, Fran; her siblings, Sandy Lindberg (Chris Lindberg) and Randy Ahlfs; many beloved nieces and nephews, Lexi Thompson, Ashley Wold, Jenna Lindberg, Samantha Ahlfs, Jacob Ahlfs, Korey Wermager, Wyatt Wermager and Shane Wermager; and extended family members, Greg Wermager (Diane Wermager) and Susan Wermager-Harris (David Harris).

She was preceded in death by her father, Denny Ahlfs, her stepfather, Pete Leland and her in-laws Doug and Rudy Wermager.

A Celebration of Cheryl's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service and remain afterward for a light lunch and fellowship.

Interment will take place at Lake Edward Cemetery on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00 a.m..