Theresa Frances Graff (Schallenkamp), age 61, of Alexandria, formerly of Luverne Minnesota, went into the arms of Jesus on November 9th, 2024 due to the final stages of heart failure. She was born on July 6th, 1963 to Lloyd and Mary Schallenkamp of Bridgewater, SD. After high school, she attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota for speech therapy and elementary education. She then began her 31year career at Luverne Public Schools, the same place she met the love of her life, Roger. The two married in 1987 and had three children, Megan, Michael and Thomas. They spent much of their lives together growing deep roots in the same community where they met. In 1994, two weeks after the birth of her last child Thomas, Theresa was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.  With treatment and much prayer, she was miraculously declared cancer-free just one year later. She lived the rest of her life cancer-free. Theresa was known for her deep unwavering faith in Christ, for her servant-heart, always helping family, friends, church and community, and for her deep commitment to helping children in speech therapy.  She was the person that could make anyone feel heard and loved; she was wildly forgiving, hospitable and silly. Many lovingly called her Mother Theresa or Mama T. In her short retirement, she enjoyed her lake home in Alexandria, MN at the pickleball courts with Roger and friends, visiting (and helping) her children and grandchildren, fishing and enjoying Lake Louise, and traveling to sunny places in the winter.  She had a vivaciousness for life and a trust that her life is in God's hands. She was a treasure and will be missed by all who knew her. Theresa is survived by parents, Lloyd and Mary Schallenkamp, Bridgewater, SD; spouse, Roger Graff, Alexandria; three children, Megan and Ethan Ruesink, Prior Lake; Michael and Erin Graff, Sparta, WI; and Thomas and special friend Cortni Alvarez and her daughter, Miah, Luverne;  grandchildren, Olivia, Everett and Otto Ruesink, and CeCe Graff; three sisters, Vicki (Dan) Buum, Chester, SD; Katie (Lee) Mentele, Sioux Falls, SD; and Mary (Keith) Folske, San Diego, CA; two brothers, Gary (Karen) Schallenkamp, Bridgewater, SD; and John (Bernice) Schallenkamp, Bridgewater, SD; two brothers-in-law and their spouses; four sisters-in-law and their spouses; and a host of nieces and nephews from both sides of the family and many other beloved family and friends. She was preceded in death by granddaughter, Eloise Ruesink.

A time of fellowship will be from 4 – 7 pm, with a time of sharing memories at 6pm, Friday November 15 at the Living Rock Church in Luverne. Memorial service will be 11 am, Saturday at the Living Rock Church, in Luverne, officiated by Pastor Josh Hayden. A Private family graveside service will be held at a later date.

Dingmann Funeral Home and Cremation Services, in Luverne, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Living Rock Church in Luverne. Cards/condolences can be sent to 3830 Sunset Strip NW Alexandria, MN 56308.

To livestream Theresa's service, please go to facebook or youtube and search living rock church luverne.