Cynthia Ann Menken

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Cynthia Ann Menken, age 79, of Deer River, MN. She lost her battle with Alzheimer's dementia on May 6th, 2026, at Maple Woods Assisted Living. Cindie was born on October 29th, 1946, at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, MN to Donald and Sherlee (Asleson) Moe. She spent the first few years of her life in Minneapolis, MN before moving to Richfield, MN. Her family quickly grew to include brother Steve and sister Nancy. She graduated from Richfield High School in 1964 and attended St. Olaf College before getting her bachelor degree in Medical Technology from the University of Minnesota. Cindie was always an independent woman who did the things she liked to do, because they were fun. If you wanted to join her, you were more than welcome. If not, that was ok. She loved riding her quarter horse Shooter over five-foot-high jumps, canoeing with friends and family in the boundary waters, skiing (both downhill and cross country), and snorkeling in the Caribbean. She also loved her dogs. In her lifetime, she owned and cared for 7 different labrador retrievers, and helped care for 3 more with her sons. She was very proud of managing the lab at the Southdale Pediatrics' clinic in Edina. She enjoyed taking care of children of any age, from infants to teenagers. She also loved her family. She married Marvin Menken on May 30th, 1981, and raised two smart and talented boys, Kyle (1983) and Jason (1986). Jason married Emily Blankenburg on July 12, 2019, and had two daughters, Kennedy (2020) and Parker (2024). Cindie loved and enjoyed spending time with them both. She especially enjoyed watching Kenney catch sunnies off the dock. She retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending time outside at her lake place in Deer River, MN. Canoeing and kayaking were some of her favorite things to do. She would spend hours in her flower garden caring for roses, peonies, lilies of the valley, hostas, and tiger lilies. Everyone who knew Cindie loved her. She was kind, friendly, and had a great smile. She cared deeply about everyone she knew, as well as all the birds and animals that came to visit at the lake. She will be deeply missed by all. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Marv, son Jason (Emily Blankenburg), granddaughters Kennedy and Parker Menken; as well as numerous relatives and friends. Cindie was preceded in death by her parents Shirley and Donald Moe, and son Kyle. A funeral service will be held at St. Phillip the Deacon Lutheran Church on Tuesday, June 2 at 10:30 am. There will be a viewing starting at 9:30 am as well as coffee and snacks following the service. All are welcome to come celebrate Cindie's life. There will a private burial service at Fort Snelling for the family.

Cynthia Ann Menken

October 29, 1946 - May 6, 2026

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