Cynthia Pinkelman

Cynthia “Cindy” Pinkelman, age 71, of Yankton, South Dakota, died on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton after health complications.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Yankton. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on November 22 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home with a vigil service at 7:00 PM.

Cynthia Ann Pinkelman was born November 30, 1952 in Yankton, South Dakota 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 in Hurley, South Dakota in 1971. She then went to Nettleton College in Sioux Falls, SD and obtained her Medical Assistant Degree. After graduation, Cindy worked for the Nancy Home in Yankton for a few years and then changed careers working as a dispatcher for the Yankton Police Department.

On April 27, 1974, Cindy married Raymond Pinkelman 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 in Wynot. She became a member of Sacred Heart Parish in 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 of Yankton, Teresa Burgi of Yankton and Erin (Mike) Tjeerdsma of Wyoming, MN; son, Christopher Pinkelman of Yankton; six grandchildren: Hunter, Carson and Kaleb Burgi, Taylor, Deven and Shelby Tjeerdsma; two brothers, Al (Marsha) Dangel of Spearfish, SD and Gregory (Violet) Dangel of Yankton; sister, Denise (Dale) Luckhurst of Pierre, SD; sister-in-law, Carol (Harold) Goeden of Wells, MN; brother-in-law, John Gatzemeyer of Newcastle, NE; aunt, Audrey Lubbers of Yankton; 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.