Cynthia Lee Erk Himpele affectionately known as Cindy, 66, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, went home to be with the Lord, on August 6, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  Cindy was surrounded by her loving family when she to went Heaven.

She was born to the union of Clifford and Jane (Sandercock) Erk in Honesdale, Pennsylvania; where she was privileged to grow up on a dairy farm, no doubt this would later inspire her love for Real Mayonnaise.

As an adult Cindy moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she shared her love for life and adventure with her children (Ryan, Benjamin, Amanda and MaryJane).  When she wasn’t working, you could find her at various sporting events cheering her children on to victory; many times leaving her seat to do so. And when her voice wasn’t lost from cheering, you could hear her singing her favorite song, “You are my Sunshine”.  Not to mention, you could always find a family pet at the center of her home. 

She would later join the fellowship of St Peters United Church of Christ, where she was a member.

In 2008, Cindy married Brian Himpele, who cared for her in health and sickness from the moment they met.  Cindy would go on to retire from The Residence Inn in 2015 to care for her mother and spend more time with her family.  In life, Cindy never missed a beat.  Always going the extra mile to bring comfort to others and make them feel loved with her infectious laughter and pizzazz.  

She will be deeply missed by her husband,  Brian Himpele; her children, Ryan (Megan) Riesenberg, Canadian Lakes, MI Benjamin (Amber) Riesenberg Chesterson ,IN , Amanda (Jason) Jones, Goshen, IN, and MaryJane Riesenberg of South Bend, IN; step children; Rebecca (Mike) Haller, Hazlet, NJ and Christopher Himpele, Mishawaka, IN; her beloved grandchildren; Erin, Olivia, Rory Riesenberg; Carson and Stella Riesenberg, Emma Jones and Anthony Mack; her sister, Karen (Jim) Goodrich, Boulder, CO; and her brother, Richard (Deborah) Erk, Albermarle, NC, along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. She was proceeded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 12, 2022, from 10:00am-1:00pm, with Funeral Services immediately following at 1:00pm, at Saint Peter's Church of Christ, 915 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46615 with Pastor Scott Bowie officiating. Palmer Funeral Home-Welsheimer North Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Burial to follow at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, 375 Cleveland Road, Granger, IN 46530

In Lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the American Cancer Society PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Condolences may be left for Cindy’s family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com