Cheryl Kathrine (O'Keefe) Sjodin

Cheryl O’Keefe Sjodin, age 72, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, following a stroke. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. While our hearts are broken by her passing, we are grateful for the many years, memories, laughter, love, and special moments she gave us. Cheryl was a one-of-a-kind woman who will never be forgotten.

Cheryl was born on May 5, 1954, to Dan and Regina (Kmitch) O’Keefe. She was the youngest of six children and grew up surrounded by family. Cheryl graduated from Henry High School in Minneapolis in 1972 and went on to earn her LPN degree from North Hennepin Community College.

Cheryl had a natural gift for caring for others. She had a generous heart and genuinely loved helping others. Her compassionate heart and love of helping people led her to a career in nursing, where she dedicated herself to taking care of those in need. Caring for others was not simply her profession—it was a part of who she was.

Cheryl had a fun and unforgettable personality, and one of her greatest loves was Elvis Presley. She attended several of his concerts and even had the incredible experience of having Elvis wrap his scarf around her neck and give her a kiss. She loved singing his songs and could often be heard singing them herself. Those who knew Cheryl will smile remembering her love for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. We like to imagine that she is now in heaven, dancing and singing alongside Elvis.

Cheryl is survived by her fiancé of 12 years, Steve Applebaum; her daughters, Jennifer Hackenmueller and Lisa (Jansen) Dissing; her grandchildren, McKenzie, Ava, Briah, Bentley, Brinley, Lincoln, Layla, and Letty; and her great-grandson, Myles. She is also survived by her sister, Colleen Tilleskjor; her brother, Thomas O’Keefe; and many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Above all, Cheryl loved her family. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, fiancé, and friend. Her family was a source of tremendous love and pride, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Regina (Kmitch) O’Keefe; her brothers, Jerry and Joseph; her sister, Mary; her brothers-in-law, Donald Braucht and Darrell Tilleskjor; and many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Cheryl leaves behind a lifetime of memories, love, laughter, and stories that will continue to be shared by those who knew and loved her. Her caring spirit, her love for her family, and her unmistakable love of Elvis will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

She may have left this world, but her song will always live on.