Cheryl Doreen (Sherer, James) Kauppi (Waabinokwe)

 

Cheryl Doreen (Sherer, James) Kauppi (Waabinokwe), 73, of Grand Portage, Minnesota, passed peacefully into the spirit world, on Sunday, February 9, 2020. She was born August 26, 1946, to Kenneth and Dorothy (Clark) Sherer in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Cheryl married her devoted husband, Lonny L. Kauppi, on August 3, 1985, in Duluth, Minnesota. Cheryl, Lonny, and their little dog Bo, were inseparable. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Cheryl was a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

Cheryl studied at the College of Saint Scholastica. She enjoyed a career that spanned many decades working in Human Services. She worked with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, Fond Du Lac Reservation, The College of Saint Scholastica, and Grand Portage Human Services. Cheryl had a gift when it came to people; she was supportive, encouraging, loving and kind. She touched the lives of many. She was a respected elder in the community, a member of Big Drum and a pipe carrier.

Cheryl enjoyed cooking, playing cards and going to the casino. She enjoyed a good laugh with friends over coffee. She spent most of her time with family and her faithful companion, Bo. She cared with a passion; she was one of a kind. She will be remembered by many and greatly missed.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents; her son Brian (1990); brothers Ronald, Kenneth, Lyle, Robert, Stuart and Myron; sisters Delores, Sandra and Barbara. Cheryl is survived by her husband of 34 years, Lonny; her children Charlene, Roger, Cherie and Julie; grandchildren Robert, Jessica, Anthony, Cheryl, Heather, Serese, Briana, Franklin and Emma; several great-grandchildren; siblings Janis, Elizabeth, Marlys, Marlene, Joan and Melvin.

A traditional Anishinaabe funeral will be held at the Grand Portage Community Center at 73 Upper Rd., Grand Portage, Minnesota. Wake and visitation will be on Friday, February 14, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. and will continue throughout the evening until the funeral service on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. Internment to be held at Sunset Cemetery in Grand Portage, Minnesota. Luncheon to follow. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 218-727-3555.