Teresa LeAnn DeRousse

Teresa LeAnn DeRousse, age 60, passed away peacefully at home in Austin, Minnesota on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after a courageous 6-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Teresa was born on March 15, 1965, in Austin, Minnesota to Carl and Barbara (Thompson) DeRousse. She graduated from Austin High School with the class of 1983. After graduating, she went on to cosmetology school. She made many life-long friends while working at various salons in Austin, with Shear Design being the latest. Teresa also worked at REM for many years.

Teresa was also a member of the Austin Eagles Club where she was currently President. She enjoyed socializing with the many members of the club and working with the staff, especially with her friend, Carmel Taylor. She also enjoyed her Friday friends at the Club and playing Bingo on Saturdays. Teresa dedicated her time to various causes, including the Lyle Area Cancer Auction, Paint The Town Pink, and benefits held at the Austin Eagles Club for cancer.

Teresa loved the outdoors. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, working around the yard, and feeding the birds and squirrels. When she was up north at the “Little Red Cabin” on Leech Lake, she could be seen cruising around the lake on her jet ski or enjoying party times on the boat. She was also known for taking many pictures of sunrises and sunsets on Leech Lake and posting them on Facebook. We cannot forget how much she looked forward to the yearly February trips she and Tim took to Cozumel, Mexico. She always managed to come back with a nice tan.

Teresa was truly an animal lover, especially cats. If there was a cat in need of rescuing, she and her friend, Linda, were ready to step up and help in any way. Over the years she had many cats. We can attest to that by the many little square tins containing ashes on the shelf in the China cabinet. Currently Teresa had two fur babies, Ginger and Baby.

Teresa is survived by fiancé, Tim Lee; mother, Barb DeRousse; sister and brother-in law, Michelle and Mark Rogers; niece and husband, Ashley and Matt Keel, and their children, Kinsley and Kambrie Keel; niece and husband, Erin and Jason Zielske, and their daughter, Tatum Zielske; Tim’s sister and husband, Tammy and Eric Holby; Tim’s sister, Debrajo Toledo; special friend, Linda Dudas; fur babies, Ginger and Baby; and many other family members and friends.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, Carl; grandparents; many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The family would like to thank those who provided Teresa’s care. Thanks to her oncology team at Mayo Health Systems, Rochester, the doctors and nurses at Mayo Health Systems, Austin and Rochester, and St. Croix Hospice. Also thanks for the many prayers and cards, the family and friends who stopped by, the flowers and food that were brought in, and others who helped in any way. It was all appreciated.

Teresa was a fun-loving gal who lived life to the fullest despite her cancer diagnosis and always had a smile on her face. She had grit, a positive attitude, and a lot of fight in her that pulled her through twelve rounds of chemo. She just wasn’t ready to give up. She may be gone, but will live on in our hearts forever. Rest in peace Sweetheart.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Teresa at the Eagles Club in Austin, 107 11th Street NE, on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 3:00-6:00 pm. Everyone is cordially invited. Interment will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Austin.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.