Cynthia Rae Swenson, 67, of Sioux Falls, SD, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, surrounded by her family at Avera Dougherty Hospice. She fought cancer quietly and with great strength over the past five years.
Cindy was born to Gene and Donalda (Wuebben) Kolbeck in Rapid City, SD, on March 22, 1958, and was raised in Dell Rapids. Her childhood was filled with love alongside her four siblings and many cousins. A proud alumna of St. Mary’s School, she was elected Homecoming Queen her senior year and often spoke fondly of the Sisters who nurtured her love of learning. Cindy attended the University of South Dakota, where she studied Early Childhood Special Education and met the love of her life, Joe Swenson, of Valley Springs. They married in 1982 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids and eventually made their home in eastern Sioux Falls. Cindy later taught special education in the Sioux Falls School District.
Being a mother was Cindy’s main vocation in life. Cindy and Joe filled their loving home with four children, Stacia, Andrea, Erika, and Riley. As their family grew, she left the classroom. She immersed herself in her role as a stay-at-home mom, sewing Halloween costumes, teaching religious education, leading Girl Scouts, tending her flower gardens, and always making sure she had her family around the table to eat a home-cooked meal. Cindy’s home was always open to neighborhood boys and girls who enjoyed playing, crafting, and baking there. She adored her many ‘mom friends’ and the bond they formed, raising their families alongside each other.
Cindy was an active volunteer during the years her children attended Brandon Valley Schools, dedicating her time to band, choir, soccer, PTA, fine arts boosters, and countless other volunteer opportunities as a teacher’s helper. She never missed a chance to watch her children compete and perform.
Cindy was Joe’s favorite ‘co-pilot’ as they traveled around the country together in Joe’s plane. Many of their favorite trips involved their cherished family and friends, including a recent vacation to Destin, Florida, with her parents, four siblings, and their spouses. They also enjoyed their time with the “Pirate Crew,” as it was always filled with joy and adventure.
As her children began to leave the nest, she returned to her teaching roots as ‘Miss Cindy’, beloved preschool aide at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Brandon. She truly thrived spending her mornings with her precious 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, watching them learn and grow in their sweet, innocent faith.
During this time, she also joined the Brandon MOPS chapter as a mentor mom. Never one to seek attention, she had the opportunity for her quiet influence and strong Catholic faith to impact countless young moms over the past 15 years.
Cindy was a beloved grandmother to her eight grandchildren. More than anything, she cherished watching them learn and grow, especially as they developed their own unique personalities. One of her favorite things was gathering them around her to enjoy a children’s book. Family meant everything to Cindy. Her large family and Catholic faith impacted every aspect of her life. She especially treasured the precious memories spent with them during holidays, vacations, and reunions. Nothing made her happier than having all of her “chicks under one roof.”
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 43 years, Joe Swenson, Sioux Falls; children, Stacia (Jameson) McGrann, Sioux Falls, Andrea (Scott) Cunningham, Sioux Falls, Erika (Ryan) Boyd, Mitchell, SD, Riley Swenson, Denver, CO; eight grandchildren, Luke, August and Henry McGrann, Quinn, Natalie and Gabriel Cunningham, Arthur and Kathryn Boyd; parents, Gene and Donalda Kolbeck, Dell Rapids, SD; siblings, Karen (Dan) Hoffmann, Gillette, WY, Kristi (Mick) Karst, Aberdeen, SD, Tom (Pam) Kolbeck, Dell Rapids, SD, Darin (Julie) Kolbeck, St. Paul, MN; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral Mass was Tuesday December 30th, at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 301 N. Splitrock Blvd. in Brandon, SD with burial at Hills of Rest Cemetery, Sioux Falls, SD.
Visitation with the family present to greet friends was Monday, December 29th.
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