Cynthia "Cindy" Pietila

Cynthia M. “Cindy” Pietila, age 67 of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

A private ceremony and burial will be held at a later date.

Cindy was born December 4, 1957 to John and Lorraine (Paggen) Wheece in St. Cloud, Minnesota and grew up in Holdingford, Minnesota. She most recently resided at Getty Street Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

Cindy’s legacy that she leaves behind is one of love, strength, and survival. She lived for her kids and her grandkids; they were her everything.

Cindy loved riding horses. Her favorite horse was Lady. She rode horses in the mountains of Montana and Wyoming, the fields of Texas, and rode from Melrose to New Ulm, Minnesota. Cindy shared her passion for horses with her kids. Cindy excelled at softball. She was a lefty but could switch it up, batting left or right. Cindy was quick with a joke and to light up a smoke. Cindy loved camping, fishing, and anything outdoors. Most importantly, she enjoyed all the time spent with family.

Cindy is deeply loved, cherished, and missed by her children, Jessie (Mark) Miller, Tim Arndt, Kelly Decker, Kayla Pietila, and Darren Pietila; grandchildren, Christian Miller, Jazzy (Hunter) Nathe, Grayden and Karson Decker, Kiah, Lilah, and Miley Stewart; brother, Roger Wheece; sisters, Jackie Lahr, Wendy Muyres, and Karen (Dan) Wolfe; and many nieces and nephews. She had a special bond with her nephew and niece, Jason Wheece and Laura Snare.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lorraine (Paggen) Wheece; brothers, Bruce Wheece and Jeff Wheece; and sister, Lois Evans.

The family would like to extend our gratitude to Getty Street Assisted Living for taking care of our mom this past year as well as Alternative Senior Care and Moments Hospice.