Cheryl Harrington

Cheryl Diane Harrington, age 75, of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, passed away April 9, 2026, in her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Cheryl was born on January 10, 1951, in Moorhead, Minnesota, and was raised on the family farm just outside of Sabin, Minnesota. She attended Sabin Elementary School and graduated from Moorhead High School in 1969. She continued her education at Pacific Lutheran University and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Later in life, she returned to school at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, where she graduated with a perfect 4.0 GPA, something that reflected both her determination and intelligence.

Cheryl married the love of her life, Terry, in July of 1974, beginning a partnership built on devotion and admiration. In her younger years, Cheryl sang in a band called Earth Bound, where she was lead singer and played tambourine and lit up the stage with her energy and joy. Terry proudly watched from the audience, always her biggest fan.

After staying home for a time to raise her two children, Cheryl began a meaningful career as a SILS advisor, helping adults with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives. She served in that role for 20 years, and the people she worked with became much more than clients. They became cherished friends.

Faith was at the center of Cheryl's life. She was deeply involved in church, teaching Sunday school, helping with music, and most especially writing and directing Christmas programs for more than two decades. Her heart was always with the children. Cheryl believed every child deserved to feel important and have a chance to shine. If a child wanted a speaking part, even just one word, she made sure they had it.

More than anything, Cheryl had a gift for making people feel loved. Whether family, friends, or someone she had just met, she made each person feel seen, heard, and valued. When Cheryl loved, she loved fully and fiercely. One of Cheryl's greatest joys was becoming a grandmother, a role she treasured deeply. That joy only grew greater when she became a great grandmother. Nothing made Cheryl shine brighter than her family, and she poured her whole heart into them. Cheryl's legacy is one of love, kindness, faith, and making others feel like they mattered. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Harrington of Fergus Falls; her children, Ryan Harrington of Minneapolis, Stacia (Matthew) Sytsma of Barnesville; her grandchildren, Shayla (Tyler Horner) Harrington of Bismark, Kason Sytsma of Moorhead, Lane Sytsma of Barnesville, and Lucy Sytsma of Barnesville; as well as her great-grandson, Ryder Horner; her siblings, Sandra Dekker of Minneapolis, Linda Rosenfedlt of Fargo, Allan Kragnes of Kansas City, MO; brother-in-law, Lynn Harrington of Hillsboro; her nieces and nephews, Martinus "Joe" (Tigist) Dekker, Jacqueline (Nathaniel) Dekker-Travis, Matthew (Cassandra) Dekker, Mary (Mike) Russ, Tanya (Joel) Kowalski, Julie Rosenfeldt, Christopher (Tiffany) Kragnes, Mark (Terri) Harrington, Missy (Pete) Kautzman, Jill (Neil) Fandrich. She is also survived by many beloved great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Abner and Berdelle Kragnes; her mother and father-in-law, Frank and Nyla Harrington; sisters-in-law, Linda Harrington, Doreen Harrington, Andria Kragnes, Joan Harrington, and her nephew, Brian Rosenfeldt.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the scholarship fund for Lake Region Cancer Care and Research Center Nurses in Cheryl's name. Send memorials to Federated Church.

Visitation: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Federated Church in Fergus Falls, with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service.Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2026 at Federated Church in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Doctor Douglas Dent

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN at a later date.

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com