Watch Cherie's Visitation and Funeral Service Here

Cherie Brenda Boe, beloved teacher, devoted wife and mother, and loyal friend, passed away peacefully at home under the care of HIA Hospice on May 17, 2026, surrounded by family and love after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of cancer. She was 67 years old.

Cherie was born on June 22, 1958, to Carman and Beverly (Jacobson) Dahl. She spent her early childhood in Dilworth before the family returned to Gary in the spring of 1966 so Carman could join the family farm. Growing up, Cherie spent plenty of time helping on the farm, but her favorite memories were often the simpler ones — weekends gathered around card tables with aunts, uncles, and cousins, sharing laughs, stories, and enough snacks to feed a small army. Family was always at the center of her world.

Though naturally quiet and shy, Cherie somehow also managed to be Homecoming Queen, a cheerleader, and one of three valedictorians of the Gary High School Class of 1976 — proving that a kind heart and quiet grace have a way of shining brightly.

After graduation, she attended Minnesota State University Moorhead, earning a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Learning Disabilities and Special Education. While she once considered becoming a veterinarian because of her deep love for animals, she famously decided she "didn't want to do the gross stuff," and thankfully for generations of students, teaching became her calling instead.

Cherie began teaching at Ada-Borup Elementary School in the fall of 1980 and remained there for 42 years. Over the course of her career, she taught Learning Disabilities, Special Education, Third Grade, and Title One. Students remember her multiplication songs, her famous "word-a-day," and the calm, encouraging presence that made every child feel seen. In true small-town fashion, it became increasingly common for former students to proudly tell their own children, "She was my teacher too."

Cherie inherited many gifts from her mother, Bev, but perhaps none more remarkable than her ability to make everyone feel important — whether through a thoughtful conversation, a remembered birthday, or never missing an anniversary. Her love for family was especially evident during weekends spent with the close-knit Jacobson women. Cherie rarely turned down an opportunity to gather with the family that meant so much to her.

Her greatest love story began in the second grade when she met Joe Boe. Though they waited until December of their senior year to start dating, the rest was easy. They were married on May 24, 1980, and built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and plenty of good-natured teasing.

In June of 1990, they welcomed their only child, Whitney, who quickly became Cherie's favorite craft fair shopping companion and best friend. The two were rarely seen apart, leading Joe to lovingly describe them as "thicker than thieves."

In September 2025, Cherie was diagnosed with Stage 3 uterine cancer. After three rounds of chemotherapy, doctors suspected a second form of cancer when her tumor markers dropped dramatically while the tumors continued to grow and spread. The aggressive cancer eventually metastasized to her lungs and bones. Through every challenge, Cherie faced her illness the same way she faced life — with grace, quiet strength, and deep concern for everyone else around her.

Cherie will be remembered for her gentle spirit, compassionate heart, unwavering devotion to family and students. Some people leave behind accomplishments. Cherie leaves behind generations of people who are better because they knew her.

May God forever bless the memory of Cherie Brenda Boe.

Cherie is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Joe and their daughter Whitney. Siblings: Brett (Michelle) Dahl, Brent (Lisa) Dahl, Tiffany (Toby) Ellingworth, and Brandyn (Debi) Dahl; many nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Cherie was preceded in death by her parents Carman & Beverly Dahl; In-laws: Harold & Beverly Boe; Brothers-in-law: George Boe & Jim Boe.

In honor of Cherie's hard fought battle, the family requests you get a Tumor Marker Blood test as soon as possible. Early detection saves lives. Don't wait. Cancer doesn't.

A visitation will be held, Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Twin Valley, MN.  Funeral services will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00am at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting you honor Cherie's memory with donations to:

Gary Cares , PO Box 66, Gary MN 56545, or through this link

NCE Dollars for Scholars , PO Box 411, Twin Valley, MN 56584.