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.