Sheila Maxine Grathwohl, 78

Alexandria (formerly of Delavan) – Sheila was born to Erwin and Doris Sackreiter on Dec. 3, 1945 in Blue Earth. Her 10 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease ended with her death on April 27, 2024 at the Galeon Senior Living facility in Osakis. Her family is forever grateful to the staff of the Galeon and their wonderful care.

She was raised on a farm in rural Blue Earth where she was baptized, confirmed, and married at Immanuel Lutheran Church. She graduated from Delavan High School in 1963 and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1964 upon graduation from St Joseph’s School of Practical Nursing in Mankato.

Sheila met Warren Grathwohl during the time that she worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in South Minneapolis. They married on Sept. 11, 1965 and shared a loving partnership for 59 years. Sheila always found opportunities to demonstrate compassion for others in the various positions that she held as an LPN. She worked at the Waseca Hospital and the medical clinics of Winona, Albert Lea, and Melrose. Warren’s career changes brought Sheila to Tennessee where she worked in clinics located in Sparta and Rogersville. Sheila positively impacted patients of all ages with her kindness.

Sheila’s children were central to her happiness. Sarah was born in 1969 and Wade was born in 1978. Sheila’s greatest joy occurred in 2022 when she first held her granddaughter, Elsa Grathwohl. Sheila enjoyed gardening, yard work, fishing, and traveling in the RV throughout the country. Her godchildren Jacklyn Yore Lo, Michael Becker, and Danelle Theye as well as her other nieces and nephews affectionately called her Aunt Sue, a special nickname given to her by her father.

Sheila is survived by her husband Warren; children Sarah (Justin Rule), and Wade (Kendra); granddaughter Elsa; and siblings Sharyl (Larry) Yore, Don (Sharon) Sackreiter, and Diane (Gary) Becker. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Darlyce (Fred) Theye.

A memorial service will be held for her at 1 p.m. on June 16, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church, followed by a social time at the VFW in Alexandria.