Cindy F. Skoglund

Cindy F. Skoglund, of Alexandria, formerly of Parkers Prairie, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, March 18, 2024, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at Esther Lutheran Church in Eastern Township with Rev. Scott Hoecker officiating. Music is provided by organist, Marcia Guenther. Interment is at the church cemetery.

The visitation is 5-7 p.m., on Monday at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Cindy Fay Heiser was born on January 15, 1949, to Walter and Elsie (Gimbel) Heiser in Eureka, South Dakota. As the firstborn and oldest of seven children, she played a significant role in her family from an early age. She was baptized and confirmed at the Hoffnungstal Lutheran Church. Raised on the family farm, with a brief move to California, Cindy spent most of her early life in Eureka. The family later moved to Minnesota near Esther Lutheran Church, rural Parkers Prairie, during Cindy's senior year of high school. Cindy finished her senior year and lived with her grandma Heiser, graduating from Eureka High School in 1967. After graduation, Cindy joined her family in Minnesota, where she moved to Alexandria and worked various jobs. Cindy married Clayton Skoglund on June 24, 1972, at Esther Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with two children, daughter Crystal and son Chris. The couple briefly resided in Minneapolis where Cindy worked at Honeywell, one of her favorite jobs of her career. They returned to the area, settling on the shores of Lake Irene, where they raised their family together. Cindy enjoyed tending to her flower gardens, relishing summers spent with her children, and creating lasting family and holiday traditions. Cindy was primarily employed in food service at Alexandria Public Schools, including Miltona Magnet School, Carlos Elementary, and Discovery Middle School. Known and liked by the students she served, Cindy made a lasting impact. In 1987, she and her mother purchased an ice cream parlor in Parkers Prairie, naming it "The Little Dipper.”. Cindy was renowned for her exceptional cake decorating skills, baking wedding, graduation, anniversary, and birthday cakes for family and friends. In addition to her talents in the kitchen, she devoted herself to serving her community as a Girl Scout and 4-H leader and other service clubs. Her involvement at Esther Lutheran Church was significant, teaching Sunday school, helping with youth group, WELCA member, church council, quilting, and actively participating in worship services and coordination. Upon retiring, Cindy relocated to a townhome in Alexandria. She was deeply dedicated to her family, cherishing every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Actively engaged in their lives, Cindy never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones, attend their activities and sporting events. In retirement, Cindy generously devoted much of her time to chauffeuring her grandchildren, and "grandma sitting," while fostering their creativity through shared crafts and baking projects. In 2021, Cindy was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She approached her chemotherapy treatments with unwavering positivity. Despite her health battles, she continued to prioritize family and creating cherished memories. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and spiritedness.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and infant brother. 

Cindy is survived by her daughter, Crystal (Darin) Hoepner of Alexandria; son, Chris (Tara) Skoglund of Lyons, South Dakota; brother, Mike (MerlLynda) Heiser; sisters, Wanda Sanvik, Sheila Heiser, Holly (Steve) Lenarz, Melody (Bill) Thoennes, and Jewel (Mike) Townsend; grandchildren, Trey (Fiance, Nicolette Arnold), Trevin Hoepner, Kali, Keegan and Emerlee Skoglund; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.