Cynthia Ann Kirkwold

Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Kirkwold (Swanson) courageously lost her short battle with cancer and passed away surrounded by family and friends on October 13, 2020, at the age of 62. Cindy was born to Wallace and Dorothy (Ostrander) Swanson in Buffalo Center, Iowa on April 23, 1958. Her father chose her name which means “The Goddess of Moon.” She was the youngest of 5 siblings and was the only girl; she was spoiled and cherished by her whole family. She grew up Methodist and was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist Church in Buffalo Center, Iowa. She was heavily involved in 4-H growing up and her specialty was English Muffin Cheese Bread, which she won many awards for. Others remember having to sample many cream puffs because she had to get them exactly right. She was also involved in piano, youth activities at church, band (baritone), chorus, school plays, speech, drama, and was student body president. She was proud of her Swedish heritage and being an Iowa Farm Girl. She graduated from Buffalo Center High School in 1976. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education from Iowa State in 1980. While in college, each summer she would spend time in Colorado working. Cindy married her soulmate, John Kirkwold, at the Methodist Church on May 2, 1987. They met at The Mermaid in 1984 and John bought her a drink, they danced, and watched Raiders of the Lost Arc; she left him her business card at the end of the night. They raised two wonderful sons, Benjamin John (Ben-Jammin), born on May 28, 1989, and Nathaniel Tyler (Nater-Boy), born on December 16, 1992. She passed down her love for 4-H and outdoor activities to her sons; she became the leader of the 4-H Champlin Champs. She loved to cook and could put together delicious, creative, and flavorful meals without even looking at a recipe - she just knew. She specifically cherished trips to Canada each year to Sandy Point Camp since 1969. She was especially proud of the 10-pound Walleye she caught. During those times she noted she felt “like this is who I am” when in the Canadian wilderness fishing with loved ones. She worked as an insurance adjuster for much of her life. She was president of Champlin Women of Today and the Sunday School Superintendent. She loved crafting, knitting, making krumkake, kringla, and lefse. She attended many spiritual retreats and loved going to Chrysalis with her “sisters.” She loved to travel, experience and learn about new things. She spent many weekends at the cabin in Glenwood, Minnesota. Cindy had a passion for unique items and boutiques. She loved being “Grandma K” and used her crafting skills to make her grandchildren many cherished items. Cindy leaves behind her loving husband and soulmate John Kirkwold; her sons, Benjamin (Emily) Kirkwold (Osseo, Minnesota) and Nate (Shelby Flegel) Kirkwold (Sartell, Minnesota); her grandchildren, Henry (5) and Amelia (3) Kirkwold; brothers, Duane (Deanna) Swanson, Dennis “Butch” (Roz) Swanson, Brian (Kristi) Swanson, and Ron (Eloise) Swanson; many cousins, nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. She had many close friends that Cindy cherished and viewed as family. Cindy is preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Dorothy Swanson; John’s stepfather and mother, Arnie and Agnes (Kirkwold) Fredrickson, John’s father, Orlin Kirkwold; and niece, Rebecca (Swanson) Rankin. The family will be having a private service to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers you may donate to the American Cancer Society, in memory of Cindy Ann Kirkwold.

Tributes

Cynthia Ann Kirkwold

April 23, 1958 - October 13, 2020

Tributes

Cynthia Ann Kirkwold

April 23, 1958 - October 13, 2020

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