Sheryl L. Andreasen

Written with love by her sisters: Sheryl Andreasen 62, of Rockford, Ill. passed away with her husband, Paul, due to injuries they sustained in an automobile accident on June 29th,2018.
Born on July 11th,1955 in St. Paul, MN, the daughter of Don and Claudine Andreasen. Growing up with her two sisters, Linda and Lori, she learned to adapt well to change after moving 21 times as a family. They moved not only around the 48 states, but also to Japan, France, and Hong Kong. No matter where they lived, we always took time to visit Grandmas and Grandpas in Minnesota and our cousins in Bozeman, Montana. We had a lot of fun camping, hiking, skiing in the Big Sky country. We also traveled extensively staying at the Nat’l Parks and almost every country in Europe.
Going to Valparaiso, she received her BA in Theology in 1979. She joined the Deaconess Association and met many beautiful and lifelong friends.
After graduation, she began her work journey. She first moved to No. Wisconsin to be a camp counselor at Camp Luther. Sleeping in teepees got old, so she went out to Yellowstone Nat’l Park and worked for a summer. She had many great memories of friends and outdoor activities.
Sheryl came back to Minnesota for Clinical Pastor Ed. at Methodist Hospital, working to become a Chaplin. She enjoyed being around family in Owatonna and canoeing in the many lakes and rivers.
She came back to Rockford, Illinois in 1985 to work as a Deaconess at First Lutheran Church, she loved working with the kids and the congregation. She also became involved with many of the groups to renovate Rockford.
She continued her education at the Univ. of Ill. to receive her Masters in Social Work. She also became more active with the Deaconess Assoc. and was president twice.
Sheryl enjoyed working and living in Rockford. She bought her first house on King St. She worked with Lutheran Social Services and then for Rockford Memorial/Mercy Hospital. She loved her job training employees as a Sr. Performance Development Specialist.
She also volunteered her time freely, she worked hard for many causes that she believed in.
She met Paul Conrad at a ballroom dancing class and that led to their wedding in Sept. of 2004 Through Paul, she became a Mother/Grandmother/ Great-Grandmother through marriage. The Conrad family was important to her and she loved family holidays and gatherings.
Sheryl kept up her love of travel with her church family, friends and family. Each year, she took a vacation with Linda and Lori (sisters) and to visit her mother in Poulsbo, WA.
Sheryl was a woman of strength, purpose and fun, and loved her Lord Jesus Christ. She will be missed by many that she shared her time and knowledge with. We will miss her understanding ways and patience, but also her zest for life and adventure and her unconditional love for her family and friends. We love and miss you,Sheryl.