Teresa “Momma T” Marie Tschann, 55, passed away Feb. 16, 2019, surrounded by her loving family at Mayo Clinic Hospital-Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota.

Teresa was born to David and Delores Tschann on April 10, 1963, in Austin, Minnesota. She grew up in Austin, graduating from Austin Senior High School in 1981, and went on to obtain her LPN degree from Riverland Community College. After graduation she began work at St. Olaf Hospital (known now as Mayo Clinic Health System) where she dedicated over 25 years to helping others.

Continuing her educational development throughout her career, Teresa also received her two-year RN degree from Riverland Community College and most recently pursued a BSN RN degree through Rasmussen College. With her 33 years of nursing experience, she was an invaluable resource that her family would seek out for her medical advice.          

Teresa was loved and cherished by many other families, including her co-workers on the psychiatric unit, Tommie Softball, and Faye’s Concessions. She also had many accomplishments in her career, most notably being recognized for going above and beyond her job duties as a nurse on multiple occasions. She was known as a mentor for new nurses on the unit, offering years of expertise and knowledge. Teresa was a gentle guide with a steady hand, and was an absolute natural at knowing the right diagnosis. She was known on her work unit as a straight shooter and was often called upon to deal with difficult situations like advising patients when it was time to bathe. Her no-nonsense attitude coupled with her big heart will be missed by many, including her patients, fellow nursing staff, hospital security guards and door attendants.

While deeply dedicated to her career, Teresa was even more devoted to her family. She could always be found cheering on the sidelines, particularly for softball, and nothing brought her more joy than her role as a grandmother to Mikayden. Her love for cooking was undeniable, often bringing in the best plates to many social gatherings. Teresa enjoyed getting together with friends and family. She expressed this passion every Halloween with fun foods, spooky drinks, and costumes. Every summer since childhood, Teresa looked forward to spending all of her vacation in Shell Lake, Wisconsin. She would be found with a headband in her hair and always next to the water. Teresa was a true caretaker; she was the glue that held everyone together. She could strike up a conversation with anyone and would — especially in HyVee or Walmart — that’s just the kind of person she was! She always had the right diagnosis, the best food, and the sassiest attitude accompanied by the brightest smile.

Teresa is survived by her daughters, Melissa Tschann and fiancé Marcus Ball, Algona, Iowa, and Danielle Tschann, Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandson, Mikayden Ball; parents, David and Delores Tschann, Austin; siblings, Mark (Jo) Tschann, Savage, Minnesota, Gary (Brenda) Tschann, Rochester,, Paul (Monica) Tschann, Zumbrota, Minnesota, Joan (David) Hagen, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, Carol (Paul) Bultman, Waseca, Minnesota, and Brian (Mindy) Tschann, Rogers, Minnesota; and 20 nephews and nieces.

She is preceded in death by grandparents, Louis and Alice Belshan, and Felix and Mary Tschann.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father John Evans and Deacon Paul Tschann officiating. There will be a 6:30 p.m. prayer service on Friday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-7 p.m. and also one hour before the service at the church on Saturday.

Condolences may be left online at www.mayerfh.com