Cindy Gunsolus 1955 – 2024
Cindy Louisa Gunsolus passed away at Astera Health in Wadena, Minn. on August 24, 2024, ten days after her 69th birthday. Cindy was born on August 14, 1955 in Decorah, IA to Billie Ralph and Victoria Louise (Pennington) Gunsolus. She was the second of their two daughters. Cindy grew up in New Richland, MN, graduating from New Richland-Hartland High School in 1973.
As a teenager, Cindy received a Christian Baptism at the First Congregational Church (United Church of a Christ) in New Richland, MN. She was received into full Communion with the First Congregational Church (UCC) by the solemn rite of Confirmation in 1970. In February, 1974, she enlisted in the United States Navy. She regretted that as a Vietnam Era WAVE, she was not given the opportunity to use the radar skills in which she was trained. Women were not yet allowed to serve on board ship. Stationed at the Dam Neck Naval Base in Virgina Beach, VA, she was honorably discharged in 1978.
Cindy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies from St. Cloud State University in 1981, as well as a Master of Science degree in School Psychology from the University of Wisconsin—Stout in 1984. She went on to work as a school psychologist in the Sioux Falls area of South Dakota and then in southern Wisconsin.
When health issues kept her from her work in 1998, she moved to Park Rapids to be closer to her sister. Living in Park Rapids for 23 years, she was a member of the League of Women Voters—Park Rapids Area. She served Park Rapids as an election judge. For a time, she worked part-time at the Park Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. She became a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church where she participated in the Bell Choir and a Memoir Class. Cindy was an annual contributor to Toys for Tots, a program that was dear to her heart. Cindy resided at Serenity Living Solutions in Sebeka and Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena during her last three years of life. Three cats, Agatha, Samantha, and Weezie, gave comfort to Cindy at different times during her life.
Cindy is survived by her sister Annamae (Ron) Gunsolus-Holzworth of Menahga, MN and nine cousins and their spouses and families. Cindy was predeceased by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the League of Women Voters—Park Rapids, P.O. Box 562, Park Rapids, MN 56470, Calvary Lutheran Church, or during the Christmas season, Toys for Tots.
Arrangements are being handled through Jones Pearson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.jonespearson.com.10-9c