“Faith Over Fear.” Those were the words Lisa Sherrington lived by—even when life handed her far more than her share of challenges. Her faith was fierce, her humor unforgettable, and her love for her children steadfast.
If you knew Lisa Sherrington, chances are she made you laugh—whether she was dressed as the coronavirus for Halloween, cracking a sarcastic one-liner and telling her favorite joke of the day. Lisa loved hard, lived creatively, and fought fiercely—right up until the end.
Lisa died on May 8, 2025, at Edenbrook Nursing Home in St. Cloud, MN, after a long and courageous battle following a major stroke in 2016.
Born on February 21, 1964, to Larry and Sandra Schaefer of West Concord, MN, Lisa Renae Schaefer grew up on a dairy farm as the second of six siblings. She graduated from West Concord High School in 1982, attended Spencer Business School in Spencer, IA, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Winona State University. During her career, Lisa worked as the Director of Junior Achievement and for Olmsted County Public Works in Rochester, MN, where she lived for three decades raising her family.
Lisa’s proudest role was being a mom. She made every celebration special for her children whenever she could. Every birthday “week” was celebrated with streamers throughout the house and being woken up to her playing “Happy Birthday” on the keyboard bright and early on the morning of their birthdays.
Lisa was known for her sharp wit, her love of crafting, and her unwavering faith. Even after a massive stroke in 2016 left her physically limited and living in care facilities for nearly a decade, she remained determined to live fully. She decorated her space for every holiday and season, continued to give herself facials and manicures, cheered for her beloved Vikings (in purple, of course), and made crafts and gifts for staff, family, and fellow residents.
Lisa befriended many residents and their families, and despite her own challenges, became a vocal advocate for better care and dignity for people living with disabilities in nursing homes.
One of the Bible passages that gave her strength in her darkest hours was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Lisa’s life wasn’t easy, but she met it with grit, humor, and heart. Her story is one of fierce love for her kids, hard-earned faith, and the kind of strength that leaves a mark.
She leaves behind three beloved children: Joshua Schaefer (Ali) of Rochester, MN; Jessica Campbell of Bloomington, MN; and Jonathan Sherrington of Duluth, MN. Her children were her world, as evident in her frequent Facebook updates on their lives. Her love for her kids ran deep and they were the reason she never stopped fighting.
Lisa is also survived by her five siblings: Lori Schaefer of Minneapolis, MN; Tom Schaefer (Amy) of Galesville, WI; Tim Schaefer (Dani) of Carlsbad, CA; Tracy Schaefer of Lafayette, MN; and Kristine Lynam (Ben) of Rosemount, MN. She also leaves behind six nieces and nephews—Sophie, Lexi, Tucker, Amanda, Marissa, and Jacob—and four grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Larry and Sandra Schaefer.
Family and friends may attend visitation on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 p.m. at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Lisa on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 1904 Mantorville Ave in Kasson, MN, with burial immediately following at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Cemetery in West Concord. Visitation at the church will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral.
In remembrance of Lisa, the family asks that you wear purple (Lisa’s favorite color) or tell someone you love them. Memorials can be directed to the Minnesota Elder Justice Center to support Lisa’s passion and advocacy for vulnerable adults.
