Cheryll (Dawn) Kotrba, age 77, of Ada, MN, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2024, at her home, surrounded by family, after bravely battling illness with her trademark sarcasm and humor intact.
Born on June 19, 1947, in Grand Forks, ND, Cheryll was the daughter of Duaine (Dewy) and Christina (Kiki Olson) Lund. She spent her childhood on their family farm between Grand Forks and Emerado, ND. Cheryll graduated from Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, in 1965, leaving a trail of unforgettable memories in her wake.
Cheryll met her husband, Ralph Kotrba, during high school, and they married in 1966; embarking on a journey filled with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of sass. Throughout 58 years of marriage together, they conquered the waltz, two-step, and polka. Her true passion and greatest achievement were her roles as a loving mother to her three daughters, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, and a dedicated homemaker: imparting skills of sewing, baking, and cleaning, evident by her always spotless home.
Professionally versatile, Cheryll succeeded in various roles at Home of Economy, American Crystal Sugar, American Federal, and Opheim Law Office. An active member of her community, she became a part of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Cheryll enjoyed quilting, gardening (famous for Ralph’s flowers), sewing American Girl doll clothes, and baking (known for her delicious, flakey pies). She was active in Ada Promotions, especially their Chocolate Extravaganza, Homemakers, Ada Garden Club, Ada One Fund Drive, and Quilting Club. A member of the Birthday Club, her presence brightened celebrations since 1981.
Cheryll leaves behind, her loving husband, Ralph Kotrba of Ada, MN; daughters: Connie (Mike) Gunderson of Bejou, MN, Chris (Brad) Conner of Fargo, ND, and Carrie (Dan) Berglind of Fargo, ND; grandchildren: Amanda (Chris) Nolte, Tim Gunderson, Alex (Tonia) Conner, Clara Conner, Emily Berglind, and Isaac Berglind; four great-grandchildren; brother, Gary (Helen) Lund; sister, Karen (Mike) Juntunen; sister-in-law, Marcia Lund; several nieces and nephews, and two honorary granddaughters, Nora and Hazel Rockstad. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duaine and Christina Lund; her brother, William Lund; and nephew, Ross Lund. Celebration Mass: 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ada, MN. Visitation: 9:00 AM to the time of the service on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, where stories of her quick wit, contagious laughter, and genuine kindness will undoubtedly be shared. Inurnment (At a later date): Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Tabor, MN.