Cheryl Lynn Capp

Cheryl Lynn (Nelson) Capp, of Alexandria, MN, died peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Arbor Lakes Senior Living in Maple Grove, MN at the age of 72 years old.  She was born in Ortonville to Wesley and Avis (Henningson) Nelson on August 25th, 1951.  She lived with her parents in their home on Artichoke Lake, MN.  When she was about seven, the family moved to their Rolling Forks farm between Glenwood and Benson.  She attended Grades 1-6 at Rolling Forks Country School where she was a spelling bee champ, and then rode the 16.5 mile trip on a bus to attend Glenwood Jr. and Sr. High , where she graduated in 1969. Cheryl was an avid reader, guitarist, pianist, and vocalist, in addition to helping with the dairy, hogs, and some field work on the family farm.  In high school, she was known for her beautiful alto voice, was a top typist, and even arm wrestled some of the high school guys. Yes, she won!

After graduating high school, she attended Fairview School of Nursing, and played guitar and sang with the Fairview Choir.  She spent a few summers as camp nurse at Luther Crest Bible Camp.  After graduation, she was employed as a nurse in a Sioux Falls Hospital. 

In 1973, Cheryl met the love of her life, Bill Capp at the Resurrection House in Alexandria, MN.  Their first date was in December of 1973, and they were married in Glenwood, MN on April 6th, 1974.  Their partnership was built on unwavering commitment, respect, and a shared faith in Christ.  They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this April.  They found much joy in the legacy of their children, their spouses, and grandchildren: Son Chad and Kelly (Lemberg), Kennedy 15, Kendall 13, and Kenzie 10 of Maple Grove, MN; Daughter Sara and Thomas O’Leary, Joshua 7 of Ponte Vedra, FL; and Daughter Brianna and Brad Jordan, Braxton 11 and Brynli 8 of Jacksonville, FL. As a couple, Cheryl and Bill nurtured their children and grandchildren with unconditional love, guidance, and wisdom. 

After marriage, Cheryl worked as a Nurse in Verndale and Jackson, MN.  In 1978, Bill and Cheryl were involved with 6-8 other families in starting New Testament Church in Alexandria.  Upon their return to the area, Cheryl was employed at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria as a Nurse.  Later, she was hired by Alexandria Technical College in the early 1990s as an LPN Clinical Nursing Instructor until her retirement from teaching in May of 2013.  After retirement, she continued to meet often for lunch with her special Alex Tech nursing instructor colleagues.  During these years, Cheryl also was a blessing to her parents in trips and as needs arose. 

Cheryl had gifts of hospitality, friendship (Hinder Sisters and many others), gifting, generosity, caring, and leading worship.  She had a beautiful singing voice and sang with her guitar at many weddings throughout the years.  She never missed a birthday and loved sending cards.  She will always be remembered for her quick wit and humor.  Her faith in God was a strong anchor in her life.  

Cheryl and Bill enjoyed family trips to Minnesota’s North Shore, WI Dells, Branson, Sanibel and St. Pete’s Beach, Florida and cruises.  Their busy lives led them on many adventures.  Cheryl enjoyed spending time with their three children, spouses, and grandchildren.

In 2019, she was Bill’s full time caregiver after his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which she did faithfully until her metastatic cancer diagnosis in September 2022.  From that time on, Cheryl bravely marched forward through chemotherapy, radiation, and other medical treatments.  She fought her cancer with so much grace and she never lost her hope.  She last resided in Maple Grove at her Arbor Lakes Senior Living apartment to be near her son and family. 

Cheryl is survived by her beloved children and grandchildren, siblings Deb Larson (Kenton), Ron Nelson (Kay), Diane Nelson (Lu Abel); brother-in-law Fred Capp (Alicia), David Johnston, sister-in-laws Mary Ann Roe, Judy Keefe, and Sue Trexler (Ray), extra special cousins Karen & Roger Haugen, plus many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Her children and their spouses, and niece, Melissa, ministered to her many health needs throughout her illness.  Her friends also were a very important support to her during this time.  

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Capp, her parents, Bill’s parents, brother Larry, sister-in-laws Linda Richardson, Pat Johnston, brother-in-law Bob Roe and nephew Ron Jr.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1 PM at Reach Church in Alexandria, with Pastor Nick Grey officiating.

A visitation will take place prior, from 11 AM until 1 PM at Reach Church on Saturday. Refreshments and interment to follow with burial at Lake Leven Cemetery near Villard, MN.