Cynthia “Cindy” J. Sitzman, 73, of Dubuque, IA, and formerly of Galena and East Dubuque, IL, passed away Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Stonehill Health Center, Dubuque, IA. In keeping with her wishes a private family service will be held at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena. The burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena. Cremation rites have been accorded. She was born October 11, 1950, in Dubuque, the daughter of Marvin and Virginia (Howe) Sitzmann. Cindy graduated from Wahlert Catholic High School, Dubuque with the class of 1968. After graduation, she moved to California to attend modeling school. Cindy modeled for magazine and department store ads until 1971 when she moved back to Galena. Her father was diagnosed with cancer, and she helped her mother care for him and her other siblings at home. She was united in marriage to Vernon “Butch” Behlke from 1972 until 1990. Cindy later married Alvin Petitgout and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2020. She worked as a waitress, and housekeeper and decorated spec homes for the annual Christmas walk. In the 80s, she worked at Eagle Ridge Inn and Resort where she helped implement the Rental program as well as the Christmas Walk that continues today. Cindy enjoyed crafts, painting, interior design, and drawing. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she loved decorating the whole house and displaying her huge collection of Santa Clauses…which her oldest grandson, Brandon, will take over in her memory. She is survived by her three sons, Cory (Tracy), Jeremy (Angela), and Jody Behlke, her grandchildren, Brandon (Pam), Ben (Lilly), Grace, Lydia, and Shayden Behlke, her siblings, Suzanne (Tom) Riedl, Jenny (Ron) Snyder, Vickie (Terry) Cole, Sally (Don) Reich, Audrey Dittmar, and John (Rik) Sitzmann, her stepsiblings, Connie Hendricks and Gary (Shari) Hillary. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Al, three siblings, Doug, Pete, and Georgia Sitzmann, and a stepbrother-in-law, Bill Hendricks. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Stone Hill Health Center especially Sheila Van Gordon, and Hospice of Dubuque. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.
Cynthia J. Sitzmann
I am saddened to hear of Cindy’s passing. I enjoyed her humor and her confidentiality. Cindy was always interested in my family events along with watching my grandchildren accomplishments. I really enjoyed her company when we had the chance to chat….Rest now sweet Cindy…you’ll be missed…
Dear Sitzmann cousins, I was sorry to hear of Cindy’s passing. She and I worked together at Sears so many years ago. She used to decorate the windows there. She had a real talent for that. Prayers for peace and comfort. 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Cousin Barb
RIP Cindy.we were such good friends in high school! We thought we were so cool…but you were always the cool one.
Sorry for your lost prayers are w/ all
Rest in peace dear cousin!
To all the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow 🙏🙏
Sorry for your loss.
To the Sitzman family. We are sorry for your loss. Shelly and Mike McCoy
I have been thinking about Cindy and Doug, lately. And how I was there for both of them breaking their arms. Doug falling out of our tree, spying on Cindy and I sewing doll clothes on our patio, and Cindy roller skating in your basement. have wondered over the years how she was doing. My brother Dave sent the obit, to me. I have not lived in Dubuque since 1985. And wonder about the close friends, I have lost contact with. My brother Jack died last year, and my sister Carol died this last May. And I have been dealing with Wegener’s Granulomatosis, for the last 17 years. I hope Cindy did not suffer much; life is hard enough. And that we can celebrate Cindy’s sprit. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to hear that Cindy has passed. I have many memories from the past and one of them was when she lived in Platteville and had her house beautifully decorated with angels everywhere! She was very good at decorating. She is with the angels now, may she rest in peace. Sending much sympathy and prayer to your family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.
Condolences to my Sitzmann cousins. Cindy was such a beauty. May she rest in peace.