Madonna Cinkle

Madonna Mae Ryan was born on June 16, 1937 to Thomas and Izetta (Carre) Ryan in Manly, Iowa. She was the second of eight children. Madonna was baptized, received first Communion and was confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manly, Iowa. Madonna attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from Manly High School in 1955. She attended the University of Northern Iowa and taught school in Garner and Hampton, Iowa. Madonna married Terry Allen Cinkle on September 1, 1962.

Madonna had a deep love of learning that shaped her life and touched countless others. She taught first grade for 29 years in the Marshall School District. She earned a master’s degree from University of MN, Morris, and retired in 2002.

She and Terry were avid sports fans and followed the Vikings, Gophers, Twins and Lynx. They especially enjoyed supporting the Marshall Tigers, twice earning the fan of the year award. She never missed one of her children’s sporting events and continued attending Tigers games after they graduated.

Above all else, Madonna treasured her family. Few things brought her more joy than cheering from the sidelines, applauding at performances, and celebrating every milestone-big or small-in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She was their biggest fan and constant source of support.

Madonna also believed deeply in giving back. She volunteered her time generously, always looking for ways to help, teach, and uplift others in the community. She was a member of the Holy Redeemer Parish, Council of Catholic Women, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Senior Citizen Center, the Omnibus Study Club and the Red Hat Society. Her warmth, reliability and willingness to serve made a lasting difference to many.

Madonna’s hobbies included playing cards, reading, baking, tying quilts, attending family reunions, traveling to Ireland and spending time with family.

She will be remembered for her kind heart, her steady encouragement, her love of teaching, and the way she made people feel valued and seen. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved so fiercely, the students she inspired, and the lives she touched through service.

Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Terry of Marshall, two daughters, Kathy (John) Blobaum of Omaha, NE, Kelly (Chris) Kowatsch of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren Nicole Flack (Matt Thompson), Tyler (Paige) Flack, Connor Flack (Ashley Vetscher), Brayden Kowatsch and Mackenzie Kowatsch. Madonna was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Izetta Ryan, sisters Karen Engleman and Joan James, and brother Richard Ryan.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Avera @ Home Hospice or the Pride in the Tiger Foundation.

Arrangements with

Horvath Funeral Service

Marshall, Minnesota

507.532.4522

www.horvathfuneralservice.com