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In memory of

Cynthia "Cindy" Lyn Birkeland

East Bethel, MN

March 3, 1953 - October 29, 2023

Mar 3, 1953 - Oct 29, 2023

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Cynthia Lyn (Agee) Birkeland died peacefully on October 29, 2023 at the age of 70.

Cindy was born on March 3, 1953 to Gordon and Dorothy Agee in Barstow, California. When she was twelve years old she was a charter member of Ham Lake Baptist church (currently Oak Haven) in Ham Lake, Minnesota, where she was intimately involved until her death. During her high school years she enjoyed spending time at Trout Lake Camp in Pine River, Minnesota where she met Jim Birkeland (from Fosston, Minnesota), her to-be husband. Cindy and Jim married in 1974 and built a house in East Bethel, Minnesota where they have made their home ever since. Their daughter, Laurel, was born in 1980 followed by their son, Aaron in 1983.

Cindy graduated from Anoka High School in 1971 and continued on to Bethel College, where she graduated in 1975 with a degree in Elementary Education. She later completed her Masters in Elementary Education at St. Mary’s, graduating in 1997. Cindy built a thirty-five year career at Crooked Lake Elementary School in Andover, Minnesota, starting in 1975 and teaching 2nd and 3rd graders until her retirement in 2010.

Cindy’s faith in Jesus Christ was an important part of her life. She was deeply committed to her family and friends and loved watching her grandchildren grow. She brought loyalty, care, and sense of humor into her relationships. She was known for her hospitality, hosting parties any chance she got-- always set with a beautiful place setting, welcoming others in, and bringing meals to those who needed them. One of her favorite places was “the cabin” in Fort Ripley, Minnesota, a place she spent time as both a kid and an adult. When there, she would often be found on the back porch overlooking the lake with a book. Cindy loved the animals they had over the years on their six acres, everything from cats, dogs, and rabbits to ducks, chicken, goats, and squirrels.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Agee. Cindy is survived by her husband, Jim Birkeland, as well as her children, Laurel (Chris) Schurke and Aaron (Katie) Birkeland, and grandchildren, Cale and Annika Schurke and Liv, Anders, and Mathias Birkeland. She is also survived by her mother, Dorothy Agee, sister, Pat (George) Dramdahl, and brother, Ron (Jeanette) Agee.