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Cherie Lee Wittstock passed away on January 2, 2025, at age 80, surrounded by family and the caring staff and friends of The Deerfield. A firecracker baby with an independent spirit, she was born Cherie Lee O’Donnell on the Fourth of July in 1944, to John Jr. and Florence O’Donnell, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Cherie, the youngest of three daughters, and her two sisters, Marilyn and Kathy, grew up on the Eastside of St. Paul.
Cherie was an outgoing student who was involved in many activities while she was in school. She remained close with several friends from school throughout her life. She graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1962, where she became a certified cosmetologist and hairstylist.
The summer after graduating from high school, Cherie met the love of her life and future husband, Richard Wittstock. Rich and Cherie started their lifetime of adventures together while drag-racing down University Avenue in St. Paul. They were married in St. Paul on January 26, 1963.
Cherie and Rich soon started their family, raising three children —Melissa, Christopher, and Monica. They moved to New Richmond, Wisconsin in 1975, and remained in the area throughout their married life. Cherie was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren and loved sharing stories about them.
Cherie was a life-long learner with a natural curiosity for the world around her. She was a voracious reader, reading 5-6 books per week on her Kindle that she always kept with her. She loved stories, good books, and soap operas (her shows)! Cherie’s sense of humor was legendary among her family and friends. She delighted in giving gifts and surprising people with thoughtful gestures.
Cherie held some truly unique jobs throughout her working life. She worked at the Armory in St. Paul during the Vietnam era, and at Dayton’s department store, where she discovered she had a great talent as a premier gift wrapper. After moving to New Richmond, she worked as a telephone operator for the New Richmond Phone Company, as a press operator at St. Croix Press, and as a marketing sales representative for the New Richmond News. She returned to school in her 40s and earned her associate’s degree in Advertising from WITC. She developed a love for taking photos while attending WITC and took photos of birds, animals, and the natural landscape around her home in Wisconsin. After graduating from WITC, she found her deepest passion as the founder and director of the St. Croix County Literacy Coalition, which she led for 10 years, assisting adults with developing essential reading and writing skills. She was very proud of all the students that she encountered while running the literacy program.
Cherie celebrated her 80th birthday this past July 4th. She was thrilled that so many family and friends could join her for a joyful birthday party. She loved celebrating her birthday with those she loved.
Cherie is survived by her husband of 62 years, Richard Wittstock, daughter Melissa (James) Moe, son Christopher (Sue) Wittstock, and daughter Monica (Steven) Wittstock. She is also survived by grandchildren Jeremy, Gina, Jenny, Jason, Michael, Nicholas, Morgan, and Corbin, as well as her 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Cherie was preceded in death by her parents John Jr. and Florence O’Donnell, sister Marilyn (O’Donnell) Anderson, sister Kathleen (O’Donnell) Lee, and grandson Jon Moe.
A Celebration of Cherie’s Life was held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11 am at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 365 W River Drive New Richmond, WI. Visitation was on Saturday, January 11, 2025 from 10-11 am at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
Click here to watch the recording of Cherie’s service
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