Cynthia Joanne Goerner

Cynthia Joanne "Cindy" Goerner, age 70, passed away on July 23, 2024. Born on July 9, 1954, in Minot, ND, Cindy was the eldest beloved daughter of Lolly and Less Rostad.

As a child, Cindy’s passions included dance classes, pony and horseback riding, and her exceptional artistry. Her mother would proudly sell Cindy's drawings at the hospital where she worked as a nurse. Cindy graduated from Minot High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Minot Business College.

Cindy began her career in medical recordkeeping at a hospital in Langdon, ND. Her professional journey took her to Wyoming and Iowa before she settled in Ladysmith, WI. There, she raised her family and progressed in the healthcare field, ultimately becoming a Medical Coding Manager. During this time, she cherished quality moments with close friends, children, and family. Cindy eagerly anticipated traveling to North Dakota and California to stay connected with family as well as embark on new adventures.

She enjoyed outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at the Blue Hills and Sister’s Farm, biking with her children, and training for bike races with friends. Cindy was incredibly creative and loved learning new skills. She crafted beautiful stained-glass pieces for loved ones and made homemade Halloween costumes for her children with meticulous care and creativity.

Cindy's life was marked by moments of resilience. Cindy faced the heartbreaking loss of her middle daughter with remarkable courage. Throughout her daughter’s illness and after her passing, Cindy demonstrated incredible strength and fortitude, inspiring all who knew her. Her unwavering love and support were pillars for her family during their most difficult times. In honor of her daughter's memory, Cindy established the Overcoming Challenges Scholarship, designed to help students facing significant obstacles achieve their college dreams through financial aid.

After her youngest child graduated high school, Cindy moved to Madison, WI. There, she worked as an Inpatient Medical Coder for Meriter, and later, she continued her career as an Inpatient Medical Coding Specialist at UW Health. Cindy thrived in Madison. She built meaningful relationships with new friends, coworkers, and neighbors. At the same time, she maintained and held dear her old friendships from Ladysmith. She enjoyed a nice glass of wine, traveling with friends, planning day trips, participating in a book club, thrifting and antiquing, long walks, plays, art fairs, festivals, and attending Concerts on the Square.

Cindy was known for her fierce independence, pride in hard work, and can-do attitude. She was a lifelong learner who enjoyed planting, gardening, remodeling her home, and creating a beautiful and loving environment.

Cindy's compassion extended beyond her family and friends to the animal kingdom. She was deeply passionate about providing homes for dogs in need. She adopted two Shih Tzus from a rescue organization where she volunteered. Her latest dog, Teddy, was adopted from a shelter, a testament to her unwavering commitment to helping animals in need.

Above all, Cindy relished the time spent with her grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life.

Cindy’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and creativity. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Cindy is survived by her daughters, Lindsay DeWaide and Shelby Goerner (Chad Marlow); grandchildren, Jenica DeWaide, Adam Camp, Ponca Camp, Logan DeWaide, Ronan Marlow and Arlo DeWaide; mother, Lolly Rostad; sisters, Deanna (Nick) Schaff and Sherri (Kent) Lund; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Jodi Goerner; and father, Lester Rostad.

A funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. A celebration of life will follow the service until 6 p.m. Burial will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Minot, ND.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420