Cheryl Netwall, beloved teacher, friend, adventurer, and champion of others, passed away on Aug. 6, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born May 6, 1952, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and grew up in Onalaska, Wisconsin. She was the only child of Orville and Juanita Netwall.
A free spirit from the beginning, Cheryl was curious, independent, and always ready for an adventure. She played clarinet in the jazz band, marched in the color guard, rode horses, and developed lifelong passions for nature, animals, and history. She graduated from Onalaska High School in 1970 and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.
Cheryl spent her life serving others and pursuing experiences that made a difference. She taught in California, roller-skated to work when she didn’t have a car, served in the Peace Corps teaching English to children in Korea. She eventually joined the United States Air Force after famously declaring, “Fine! I’m joining the Air Force,” when a friend told her she couldn’t criticize the military if she had never been in the military. She served from 1984 to 1988 and was honorably discharged as a first lieutenant.
In 1997, Cheryl returned to northern Wisconsin to be closer to her parents and began teaching social studies at Unity Middle School. She retired in 2017 after two decades of making a lasting difference in the lives of her students.
Cheryl taught with firmness, humor, compassion, and a kind heart. She had a special gift for reaching students who were struggling and making them feel seen and valued. She continued to follow many of her former students throughout their lives. They were her kids, and she loved them fiercely. She also formed deep and lasting friendships with many of her colleagues.
Cheryl will be remembered for her sharp wit, adventurous spirit, strong sense of justice, fierce loyalty, and endless kindness. She lived an extraordinary life on her own terms and left the world better because she was in it.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Orville and Juanita Netwall. She is survived by her beloved dog, Reggie, and dear friends Carol Rosendahl, Janet Otto, Lynn Steinmetz, and Wendi Morris, along with countless friends, former colleagues, and former students whose lives she touched.
She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., at McKenzie Lanes in Centuria, Wisconsin.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories, and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, Wisconsin, 715-472-2444.
