Cindy "Cy" Sue Yess

CYNTHIA “CY” SUE YESS, died on the morning of Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Lakeshore Inn in Waseca.  

Cy was born to Marvin and Milly (Holtz) Yess on July 26, 1949. She was their second child and was an amazing sister to her big sister Carolyn and her baby brother Curt. Cy was baptized into Christ’s family and confirmed her faith at Saint John Lutheran church in Waseca. She attended Southside Elementary and graduated from Waseca Central High school in 1967. Her summers were consumed by backyard ballgames barefoot with the neighborhood kids or with all of her cousins at their farms, and fishing and hunting with her Dad and dog Patty.  Cy went to Wartberg College in Waverly, Iowa. She played French Horn in the band, played half-court woman’s basketball, and graduated with honors earning a degree in Parish Ministry. 

Cy’s sister Carolyn developed Polio at an early age and Cy learn and accepted the role of a caring protector.  Carolyn was sometimes not allowed to go places unless Cy went along as her parents were very protective and knew Carolyn would be in good hands with Cy.  She carried this trait of helping throughout her life.  If she liked you, you were a dear friend for life.  She could see past people’s mistakes and deficiencies always looking for and finding the best in people.

Cy was briefly married to Harold Schoenfeld of Waseca.   After their divorce she became a family with Pauline and her kids Chris and Bob.  For over forty years they spent their lives together sharing all of life’s trials and joys as a family. 

If you knew Cy, you knew softball was written within her heart. Cy was a dedicated player winning national championships. Cy spread her love for the game by coaching some of her closest friends and continued her dedication to the sport through advocacy and organization. Her efforts were recognized in 2001 as she was inducted into the Minnesota Softball Hall of Fame. She remained close to her teammates and enjoyed their weekly visits as she transitioned from her home to assisted living. Laughter and comradery could be heard down the hall in the days and weeks leading up to her passing.

Cy dedicated her career to serving The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49.  Cy was able to greet each union member by name and was able to know everyone personally. Her “boss”, Clayton Johnson, became more like family and Cy treasured his friendship. 

Cy continued to remain devoted to God’s service throughout her life by being active at church, donating blood, volunteering with meals on wheels and visiting the homebound. Cy would do anything for anyone. She was amazing at organizing the “details” and was always able to develop a solution for any need. Cy LOVED spoiling her nieces and nephews. She would Shop ‘til she dropped waiting in long shopping lines for the best toy of the year. Cy also loved finding the twirliest dresses for her nieces and enjoyed making the best Easter baskets for them.

One of her greatest joys was her family.  Cy glowed when telling stories about her nieces and nephews and Sydney, Colton, Eli, and Ethan. Cy was the perfect blend of best friend, aunt and grandparent. Cy and Pauline loved doing things together like babysitting, traveling and being at all of the activities and events. 

Left to honor Cy’s Legacy are her family, Her brother Curt (Deb) Yess of Waseca. Brother-in-Law Randy (Sharon) Sjogren of Apple Valley. Lifelong friend Pauline Fligge of Rochester and Pauline’s children Chris (Scott Welch) Clanin and Bob (Carol) Fligge and grandchildren Sydney, Colton, Eli and Ethan.  Devoted friend LuAnn Rueb. Nephews, Shane (Kyla) Sjogren, Aaron (Terri) Sjogren, Josh (Melissa) Sjogren, Matt Wantoch, and Nick (Ashley) Wantoch. Nieces Emily (Ben) Johnson, Jill (Jon) Stagman, Jocie (Zac) Karbo, Jenni (Colby) Schmidt. Uncle Emmerson (Val) Yess, Aunt ThelmaYess and many dearly loved cousins. Cy was preceded in death by her parents Milly and Marvin, sister Carolyn Sjogren, and nephews Jacob and Jason Yess and many aunts and uncles. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m.on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester, with Rev. David Berg officiating.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.   Interment services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at the Wilton Cemetery in Waseca County.