Sheryl Niebuhr

Dr. Sheryl Niebuhr of Lake Elmo, MN passed away peacefully January 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Sheryl was born on August 25, 1950, to Edwin and Vera (Cordes) Niebuhr and into a large farming family in Blairstown, Iowa. As the only daughter with four brothers, she helped her mother with many duties caring for the family, which nurtured her into a compassionate, personable adult, evidenced by her lifetime of service and leadership.

Sheryl graduated from Benton Community High School in Van Horne, Iowa, where she was an accomplished French horn player. She earned her undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and her master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of St. Thomas. She completed her education at the University of Minnesota, earning her Doctorate in Psychology.

Sheryl began her career at the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, where she served as the Director of the Community Care Unit, before moving on to 3M. At 3M, Sheryl served in leadership positions that promoted employee health, development, and productivity initiatives globally. After her retirement from 3M, Sheryl opened Sheryl Niebuhr Consulting, LLC, providing executive coaching and leader development services and career and personal life coaching. One of her proudest accomplishments was returning to the University of St. Thomas as an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Engineering, Leadership Series, sharing her vast knowledge and mentoring future leaders.

In retirement, Sheryl continued serving the community in various capacities, including facilitating a Parkinsons support group and grief support groups. Sheryl had a love for the North Shore and Southwestern United States and enjoyed visiting and spending time there with her friends and family.

Sheryl is survived by her caring partner, Jo Ford of Lake Elmo, MN; her brothers: Steve (Vicki) of Ames, IA; Mark (Diane) of Blairstown, IA; and Paul (Lisa) of Sioux City, IA; her adoring nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews: Kristine, Mike, Gabe, Angie, Paige, and Noah Rummel; Joe, Janet, Maggie, and Eddie Niebuhr; Janelle Niebuhr; Johanna, JD, Selah, Levi, and Eden Powers; Ariel Niebuhr; Moriah and Gabriel Helwig; Elias, Elisabeth, and Bobby. Sheryl is preceded in death by her parents; her brother and sister-in-law, John and Donna Niebuhr; and her nephew, Evan Niebuhr.

The family would like to recognize and thank the wonderful doctors, nurses, and staff who helped Sheryl this past year and her amazing friends, including Jane Thompson, and Jan Rabbers, among so many others.

Her family knows the peace that comes from Sheryl’s faith and their promise to see her again. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be made in Sheryl’s name to the organizations she was passionate about.

Sheryl Niebuhr Service Livestream