YANKTON, S.D. — Cynthia “Cindy” Pinkelman, 71, Yankton, S.D., died Nov. 1, 2024, at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, after health complications. A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 23, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, Yankton, with Rev. Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Yankton. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Nov. 22, at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Cynthia Ann Pinkelman was born Nov. 30, 1952, in Yankton, to James and Marilyn (Wood) Dangel. She grew up in the Turkey Ridge area where she was a member of St. Boniface Idylwilde Catholic Church. Cindy graduated from Hurley High School, Hurley, S.D., in 1971. She then went to Nettleton College, Sioux Falls, S.D., and obtained her medical assistant degree. After graduation, Cindy worked for the Nancy Home, Yankton, for a few years and then changed careers working as a dispatcher for the Yankton Police Department. Cindy married Raymond Pinkelman April 27, 1974, in Yankton. After their marriage, they lived in the St. Helena area and then moved to St. James, where they raised four children.

Cindy was involved in her children’s activities as a 4-H Leader and CCD Teacher. She also worked in the Wynot Public School Cafeteria for several years. Cindy was an active member of Sts. Phillip and James Parish and then Sacred Heart Parish, Wynot. She became a member of Sacred Heart Parish, Yankton, when the family moved to Yankton in 1999. Cindy started working at Walmart in Yankton, until her health forced her to retire after 20 years of service. Cindy always missed her Walmart family.

Cindy’s grandchildren were the light of her life and she always enjoyed visiting with them, taking them shopping, and baking for them – especially around the holidays. Her family was everything to her. She also had a love for animals and had many grand fur babies that are going to miss her dearly.

Cindy is survived by her three daughters, Jennifer Pinkelman, Yankton, S.D.; Teresa Burgi, Yankton, S.D.; and Erin (Mike) Tjeerdsma, Wyoming, Minn.; son, Christopher Pinkelman, Yankton, S.D.; six grandchildren, Hunter, Carson and Kaleb, Burgi, Taylor, Deven and Shelby Tjeerdsma; two brothers, Al (Marsha) Dangel, Spearfish, S.D., and Gregory (Violet) Dangel, Yankton.S.D.; sister, Denise (Dale) Luckhurst, Pierre, S.D.; sister-in-law, Carol (Harold) Goeden, Wells, Minn.; brother-in-law, John Gatzemeyer, Newcastle; aunt, Audrey Lubbers, Yankton, S.D.; 12 nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents; ex-husband, Raymond Pinkelman; parents-in-law, Leonard and Mary Pinkelman; three brothers-in-law, Martin, Gerald and Ronald Pinkelman; sister-in-law, Alice Gatzemeyer; nephew, Duane Dangel; and many extended family members.