Cynthia K. Riess, 54, resident of Borden Lake near Garrison, died Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008, at her home. Cynthia was born April 11, 1954, in Fairmont to Marvin and Elnora (Holz) Bicknase. She was a Welcome High School graduate and was a graduate of Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and received her degree in education from Mankato State University. She was employed as a Special Education teacher for 14 years.
Cynthia served in the Army National Guard between 1985 and 1993. She married Robert W. Riess July 11, 1987, in Fairmont. She managed real estate holdings and later was employed by Grand Casino Mille Lacs. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby.
Cynthia was an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing in Minnesota and Canada, deer hunting, and hiking.
Another pastime was family geneology.
Survivors include her husband, Robert; sons, Ethan Riess at home and Jarrod (Stacy) Riess of Elgin; one grandson, Beau Mischke, Hammond; parents, Marvin and Elnora Bicknase of Fairmont; brother Rev. Keith (Becky) Bicknase of Milbank, S.D.; brother Steven (Ann) Bicknase of Chandler, Ariz.; sister Kathy (Dr. Mark) Gundersen of Fergus Falls; brother Douglas (Lorna) Bicknase of Fairmont; sister Diane (David) Benson of Stewart; brother Alan Bicknase of Fairmont; sister Joanne Bicknase of Rochester; brother James Bicknase of Mankato.
Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 600 SW 4th Street, Crosby, with the Rev. Paul Mattson officiating. Visitation will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd and the hour before services Monday at the church.
Arrangements are with Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.