Racine – Cheryl Kay Gedemer passed away on January 13, 2026. She was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on November 29, 1954, to Donald Vaillancourt and Carol (née Christianson).

Cheryl was a graduate of Washington Park High School, Class of 1972. In 1975, she graduated from Marquette University with a degree in Dental Hygiene, a profession she practiced with care and dedication throughout her working life. She married Thomas Gedemer, also of Racine, on June 12, 1976.

Cheryl was a true renaissance woman. In addition to being a proficient dental hygienist, she was a gifted interior designer, a skilled gardener, and a highly capable small business office manager who helped support her husband's electrical contracting business. She also loved music, yoga, comedy, and a well-made Cosmopolitan.

More than anything, Cheryl loved her family. She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, godmother, aunt, and grandmother. She thought of her family constantly, and there was simply nothing she wouldn't do to ensure they were happy, supported, and loved. This devotion extended to her furry family members as well. She was a devoted dog mom to Eddie and Holly, and a proud grandmother to Maple, Robin, and Dottie.

Cheryl is survived by her husband, Thomas; her brother, Gary (Joy) Vaillancourt; her son, Grant; her daughter, Rachel Gedemer (Steve) Hueffner; her grandchildren, Henry Hueffner, Gus Hueffner, and Mae Hueffner; and her niece and goddaughter, Noelle Vaillancourt. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many extended family members who loved her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carol and Donald Vaillancourt; her nephew, Nick Vaillancourt; and her brother-in-law, James Gedemer.

Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory on Friday, JANUARY 30, 2026 , for a visitation from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. A service honoring and celebrating her life will follow at 12:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, Cheryl's family has suggested memorials to the Wisconsin Humane Society https://www.wihumane.org/ or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/

The family extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Bylow and the staff of Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin's Center for Advanced Care for their compassion, guidance, and professionalism.