Cheryl A. McConkey

Cheryl Ann McConkey, 73, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2022, after a courageous seven-year battle with cancer. She had an unwavering happiness to be able to wake each morning, often to a beautiful sunrise with a cup of coffee, which kept her fighting strongly all these years. There was never a moment that she let negativity defeat her.

Charles and Cheryl moved their family from Illinois to a rural La Farge dairy farm in 1979, where they created a life together. Whether Cheryl was cheering on her children during sports, making sure everyone had a home-cooked meal (like her grandkids’ favorites of spaghetti or mac & cheese), chopping corn or milking cows, enjoying a night out bowling, or caring for her grandchildren who were the light of her life, she taught valuable lessons to everyone who knew her:  take care of others, love unconditionally, work hard, laugh and giggle, and never stop hoping for a miracle. 

Cheryl is survived by her loving, devoted husband of 54 years, Charles, and their four children:  Vicki (Doug) Olsen, Jenny (Jamie) Havlik, Charlie (Megan) McConkey, and Beth (Trent) Hansen. She is also a proud and loving grandmother of 13 grandchildren:  Dane, Jeff, Draden, and Cash Olsen; Ryan, Lucas, and Kyle Havlik; C.J., Anna, Brett, and Drew McConkey; and Carsten and Paige Hansen. Cheryl also leaves behind a brother, Larry Nissen, and other family in Illinois, as well as family in the Richland Center area. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers who meant the world to her. 

As each day came to a close, Cheryl would often enjoy the sunset from the kitchen window as she did the dishes – content to watch the sun’s beauty envelope the family farm in a final embrace, knowing each day was a blessing.

In lieu of flowers or donations to the family, Cheryl would like people to do any of the following as they are able: donate blood, donate to the La Farge Ambulance, plant a flower garden…or slow down and enjoy a sunrise or sunset with loved ones. 

There will be a family celebration of life in the future. Blessed be the memory of Cheryl Ann McConkey, devoted and selfless mom, grandmother, and wife.  

The Roth Family Cremation Center is assisting the family.

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