Cynde Petrenchak, 55, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.
Cynthia JoAnne Petrenchak, daughter of Jerry Gay and Mary (Pefferman) Beal, was born on February 13, 1968, in Oskaloosa. She was a 1986 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and then earned an Associate Degree at Indian Hills Community College, where she also took flying lessons. In 1985, Cynde was blessed with the birth of her only child, a son, Adam. She married Tom Stanzel in 1998, and in 2003, they moved to Longmont, Colorado, where Tom opened a chiropractic office. They later divorced. In 2007, Cynde decided to try a career as a flight attendant. She was employed by Sky West Airlines and quickly fell in love with the job. She took it seriously and did an excellent job. It was her longest job, and she never intended to quit. She was always on time, prepared, and the best passenger de-escalator ever. She consistently earned perfect attendance every quarter and year.
On April 21, 2021, Cynde married Douglas Steven Petrenchak, a pilot she met at work. They joked about their marriage being a cliché, she the attendant and he the pilot. Cynde loved working for the Denver Broncos in guest relations, as she was crazy about Bronco Football. Being paid to attend home games was her heaven on earth. If Cynde had had another career, it would have been weather girl. She was constantly analyzing the forecast and the effect humidity would have on her curly hair.
Cynde enjoyed both being active and relaxing at home. She loved hiking all over Colorado and, if able, on overnights. She enjoyed riding on the back of Doug’s motorcycle, especially at Sturgis. She also liked vacations. She preferred a tropical beach or sunny pool slightly more than glamping but was always willing to get a little dirty despite being a self-proclaimed “Girlie Girl.” Cynde was a fool for country concerts and rodeos, especially bull riders. Denver stock show, Greeley Stampede, and Cheyanne Frontier Days were events she never missed. It was so fun to watch her enjoy them. She also frequented the Grizzly Rose for dancing and concerts. On the quiet side, Cynde collected Longaberger Baskets; and enjoyed crafting, playing board games, and doing puzzles. She enjoyed decorating her home, complete with lots of pineapple accessories and home decor. Favorite color, PINK!
Cynde had a huge heart. She was thoughtful and kind. She loved her family back in Iowa and sometimes struggled with the distance between them.
Cynde was patient, calm, found the good in things, and always found something to be thankful for. She always said, “Tomorrow will be better,” when things did not go well.
In October 2020, Cynde was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She continued to work as long as possible and approached her treatments with courage and determination.
Her family includes her husband, Doug of Greeley, CO; her son, Adam J. Stanzel of Oskaloosa, and a granddaughter, Layla; stepdad, Joe (Sandy LeJeune) Beal of Oskaloosa; a stepmom, Carol Johnson of Harper, IA; a sister, Kristy (Andrew) Holmberg of Oskaloosa; nieces and nephew: Jamie (Michael) Sorensen of North Liberty, and their son, Camden, and Lindsey and Cale Holmberg of Oskaloosa; a step-son, Ben Petrenchak.
Cynde was preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service for Cynde will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, July 7, 2023, at Forest Cemetery. Please use the North 11th ST entrance and turn right towards the new granite areas. Memorial contributions can be made to Mahaska Health Foundation for the Hospice Serenity House. Langkamp Funeral Chapel is entrusted with her arrangements.
