Jerilyn Renae Craychee

Jerilyn Renae Craychee, age 70 of River Falls, Wisconsin, formerly of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on July 1, 2025.  She was born on June 10, 1955, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, the daughter of Bernard and Marcelle (Haarsager) Anderson. She was raised in Grand Forks and attended Roosevelt Elementary School before graduating from Red River High School.

Jerilyn had many fond memories of her younger days, especially the time spent at the family cabin on Lake Lida in Otter Tail County, Minnesota. From an early age, she possessed a caregiver's heart and an innate desire to help others. With this calling in mind, she pursued her education at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, where she earned her nursing degree.

Her nursing career was both long and rewarding, over 40 years. Jerilyn began in the emergency room at Deaconess Hospital, later working in the operating room and as a float nurse across the medical-surgical units of area hospitals. She concluded her career in the clinic setting with St. Luke's-Sanford Healthcare, where her compassion and dedication continued to touch the lives of many.

Outside of her professional life, Jerilyn was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a deep love for music, took piano lessons, and taught herself to play the guitar. She found great joy in her flower gardens-especially her pansies, peonies, and petunias. Jeri was a good cook and made many meals for her family, especially in the last 6 months living in WI. She enjoyed crafting macramé plant hangers and often gifted them to friends and family.

One of Jerilyn’s greatest joys in life was her deep appreciation for nature and wildlife. She especially delighted in watching bluebirds, often pausing to admire their beauty and gentle presence. Her days were brightened by the sights and sounds of the natural world around her. Jerilyn also shared a special bond with her two beloved Jack Russell terriers, Piper and Whirly, whose playful companionship brought her constant comfort and joy.

Jerilyn's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her two sons, Jason (Rachel) Welsh and Alex Craychee; her cherished granddaughters, Sadie and Sarah; and her siblings, Collin (Jan) Anderson, Rogene (Pete) Danielson, and Jolene (Scott) Grovum, along with their extended families. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Richard Anderson.

Jerilyn will be remembered for her caring spirit, her quiet strength, and the many lives she touched through her kindness and service.

A Celebration of Life for Jerilyn Craychee will be held on Sunday, July 13th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm with a short service led by Pastor Dean Simpson at 12:30 pm at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in River Falls. Memorials preferred to the discretion of the family.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-425-5644.