Cynthia Eva Runingen

Heaven received a beautiful angel on Saturday, January 23, 2021. Cynthia Eva Runingen (nee Vogel), loving wife, mother, grandma, daughter, sister, and aunt, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59. Even in her last days battling cancer, Cindy continued to share her warmth and light with all those around her.

She will be dearly missed by her family and many, many friends. Her loving family includes her husband of 37 years, Gale; her children Angela (Luke), Samantha, and Lucas (Valerie); and two grandchildren Abigail and Isaiah. She is survived by her parents, James and Eva; and siblings Jimmy, Tammy (John), and Joshua (Franchesca).

Cindy was born in Laredo, Texas on December 17, 1961. She was baptized in Laredo and confirmed into her Lutheran faith in Milwaukee. As a young girl, she enjoyed attending weekly services and singing in the church choir. As a teenager and later in life as a mother, Cindy spent many Sunday mornings sharing her faith and love as a Sunday school teacher.

Her love of family was shaped as a young child, moving around the country to be near family while her father served in the Army. Before settling in Milwaukee, Cindy moved with her mother and siblings to several states including Indiana, Iowa, and her favorite, Montana.

She married the love of her life, her high school sweetheart on July 2, 1983. Cindy and Gale began their married life in Milwaukee. After five years, they moved their young family to Sussex where they built their life and expanded their family. Over the course of 22 years, during the time the children attended school in Sussex, Cindy spent countless hours donating her time as a volunteer for Hamilton School District. She coordinated and supervised Maple Avenue Elementary’s health room, was an active member and leader of the Home & School Association, trained Red Cross volunteers for the entire district, and organized the annual district-wide bake sale.

If you were lucky enough to meet Cindy, she likely greeted you with a hug, or upon noticing your hands grabbed them for a squeeze. Cindy will be remembered by all as a cherished and generous friend who was always honest, took the time to listen, and wanted everything good for her family. She admired the beauty of nature and found comfort spending time at home, especially on the front porch with her morning coffee. Cindy was a natural homemaker, and created a cozy, welcoming home for all. She also enjoyed baking and cooking for loved ones, and devoted over 35 years cleaning homes and creating this same sense of comfort for others.

With the birth of her grandchildren, Cindy turned her attention to the care and nurturing that only a grandma can give. She was a fiercely proud and loving grandma, and spent time making memories gardening together and teaching them strawberry picking and jam making. Her warmth and light will live on as these family traditions are continued through the years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to International Myeloma Foundation (myeloma.org) or Hunger Task Force (hungertaskforce.org).

Due to COVID-19, a private family mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 30, 2021. Please join us via live streaming at https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4qngG5jHAJIqvFUUElhVYw

A celebration of life will be held when it is safe to do so.