Cynthia Kinnen

Cynthia Celia (Cooper) Kinnen, 64, a resident of Fergus Falls, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2007, surrounded by her family at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls. She was born on January 11, 1943 to Vernon and Leona (Schroeder) Cooper in Fergus Falls, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. She grew up on the family farm north of Fergus Falls. Cynthia attended the country school through 8th grade, then Fergus Falls High School before graduating in 1962. While at secretarial school in Detroit Lakes, MN she met John Kinnen. The couple married on June 6, 1964 at Faith Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. The couple then moved to Fridley, MN where their three children were born. After 10 years, the family then returned to Fergus Falls to be closer to family and raise their children. During their years in Fergus Falls, Cynthia was a devoted mother and wife. In 1983, the family lovingly enveloped Travis Johnson, John's nephew, as one of the family members. Once the children were in school, Cynthia worked at a local craft store and eventually took a position as a dietary specialist at Broen Home. In 1997, John and Cynthia moved to Valdez, AK. They decided to move to Alaska to spend quality time with their two sons, Tom and Dan and their grandsons, Jake and Jackson. During their time in Alaska, they belonged to Epiphany Lutheran Church, Elk's club and participated in all the local events. Cynthia made numerous friends through her church, clubs and her job at the local hardware store. She honed her sewing skills by attending quilting classes and inspiring other people to think differently about sewing techniques. In August 2005, John and Cynthia returned to Fergus Falls to be close to Cynthia's mother, Leona, their daughter, Suzette and her husband, Doug and two grandchildren, Samantha and Alyssa. She obtained a position at Alcott Manor as Caretaker, continued her quilting activities and became involved with stamping groups and Zion Lutheran Church. Cynthia was a devoted mother, grandmother, niece, daughter, sister and friend. She continually exemplified selflessness. The individuals she worked with knew that when she was on duty that every need would be tended to with great respect and tender care. Baking was one of her many talents and all of her treats quickly vanished when presented to others. She was a gifted seamstress and would spend many hours crafting clothes and blankets for every one of her family and friends. Anyone who received a handmade garment or quilt from Cynthia knew that it was made with caring hands and of great quality. Her most cherished times were spent with her four grandchildren. She reveled in her time with them by playing games, making them clothing, taking them shopping and making delicious meals for each one. She will be dearly missed by anyone who met her. Cynthia is survived by her husband John, her sons: Tom Kinnen, Valdez, AK, Dan Kinnen, Anchorage, AK, and Travis and Jenn Johnson, Bismarck, ND, daughter: Suzette (Kinnen) and Doug Eppler, Kearney, NE. Grandchildren include Jake Ramme, Anchorage, AK, Jackson Kinnen, Valdez, AK, and Samantha and Alyssa Eppler, Kearney, NE. She is also survived by her mother, Leona Cooper, Fergus Falls, MN and sisters Lorna Cooper and Michael Scott, Chaska, MN and Ruth (Cooper) and Tim Bach, East Grand Forks, MN as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. Her father, Vernon Cooper, and her grand parents, George and Ruth Schroeder and Alice and Edward Cooper, preceded Cynthia in death. Memorials are preferred to Lakeland Hospice of Fergus Falls. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Service: 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverend Marv Abrahamson and Reverend D. Josh Nelson Interment: Trinity-Faith Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com