Teresa Joan Landherr of Owatonna, Minnesota, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, after thriving with cancer for eight years.

She was the second born of six children on Jan. 30, 1952, in Ames, Iowa, to Quentin and Joan Rickerl. The family moved to a farm outside of Taopi, Minnesota, in 1954. Teresa graduated from Adams High School in 1970 and went on to attend Mankato State College and later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1989. In 2005, she also got her Human Resources Development Certificate from Riverland College.

On March 17, 1973, she was united in marriage to Nicholas Landherr from Rose Creek, Minnesota. They had two children: Peter Landherr who married Rachel Fritz from Tracy, Minnesota, and Kathleen Landherr of Owatonna, Minnesota, who married Brandon Weir from Fairfax, Minnesota. Peter and Rachel blessed Teresa with four grandchildren: Fritz, Elsa-Marie, Quinn, and Tellef Landherr of Walnut Grove, Minnesota.

Teresa worked as a property appraiser for Steele County for 17 years until her cancer diagnosis in 2007. Before and after her diagnosis she was an involved community member and officer in numerous organizations such as Owatonna Women’s Club, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Grandparents for Education (Volunteer of the Year 2011-12), steadfast member of local P-9 union in Austin, Minnesota, and more. Teresa’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and she spent as much time as possible reading to them, playing games, and enjoying quality time. She also enjoyed reading, gardening, and any social event she could participate in. During Teresa’s eight years of cancer she experienced more living than most do in a lifetime. She enjoyed vacations with her family to Ireland, Arizona, California, Kentucky, New Hampshire, and more. Although cancer may have slowed her down physically, it never damped her spirit or sense of humor. She will forever be remembered for the love she radiated.

She’s survived by her mother Joan Rickerl; child Kathleen (Brandon) and daughter-in-law Rachel; four grandchildren: Fritz, Elsa-Marie, Quinn, and Tellef; five siblings: Ted (Sandy) Rickerl, Jerome (Liz) Rickerl, Jeff (Marti) Rickerl, Jackie (Ben) Veri, and Monica Fairchild; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Quentin; and her son Peter; and stillborn son Jon.

Friends greeted the family Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at the Brick-Meger Funeral Home (1603 Austin Rd.). Mass of Christian Burial took place Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna. There was a parish rosary at 9 a.m. with a visitation following at 9:15 a.m. until time of the funeral mass at the church. Teresa’s ashes will be buried at a later date in Austin, Minnesota. For more information or to leave an online condolence message go to www.brick-megerfuneralhome.com.