Cynthia R. “Cindy” Harkins, 53, passed away at home in the arms of her loving family on Thursday January 15, 2015 after a three-year fight with ovarian cancer. Cindy was the fourth of five girls being born to John L. “Jack” Bretl and Rosaline R. (Martig) Bretl in Madison on April 13, 1961. Her family…
Continue ReadingCynthia R. “Cindy” Harkins, 53, passed away at home in the arms of her loving family on Thursday January 15, 2015 after a three-year fight with ovarian cancer.
Cindy was the fourth of five girls being born to John L. “Jack” Bretl and Rosaline R. (Martig) Bretl in Madison on April 13, 1961. Her family moved to Rhinelander while in 8th grade and she was a 1979 graduate of Rhinelander High. While on the cross-country team in high school she met future husband, Mike Harkins. They were married August 2, 1980 at St. Joseph's Church in Rhinelander. She worked to help put Mike through Chiropractic College while living in St. Paul, MN. The Harkins moved back to Wisconsin where Cindy was Chiropractic Assistant and office manager of Dr. Mike's clinics in Merrill and De Pere. The greatest moments of her life were becoming a mother to sons Michael John now 25 and Kristopher James, 23. Cindy loved watching birds at the feeder in her pajamas with her morning coffee, traveling with her family, especially to Door County, camping and taking care of her boys and dogs. Always a friendly, beautiful smile for everyone she met, she will be remembered as a loving, caring person.
Cindy is survived by her husband, Mike, two sons, Michael of Bloomington, MN and Kristopher (fiancée Jessica Michaelson) of Green Bay; three sisters: Loni (Dave) Houg of Rhinelander, Terri (Bill) Otto of Sun Prairie and Karen Bertolet of Madison, special cousin Linda (Dave) Gregerson of Wausau, special niece Jessica Colluci of Chicago as well as other brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends as well as her English Setter, Morgan. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Joyce.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the family, friends, patients and caregivers, especially the wonderful nurses, who all expressed their love for Cindy by helping her and her boys in so many ways. God bless!
The funeral liturgy will be held Friday January 23, 2015 at 11:30 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette Street in Appleton. A time of visitation will be held the same day from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church.
A memorial has been established in Cindy's name. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wichmannfargo.com
Ginny Sowieja
left a message on January 15, 2016:
Mike Wadzinski
left a message on December 3, 2015:
Gretchen Rizzo
left a message on January 26, 2015:
I am sending my deepest sympathy. Cindy was a beautiful person.
Shirley A Farrell
left a message on January 23, 2015:
Dr. Mike
I am so sad to hear Cindy passed away. She was a very beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed by all of us who were privileged to meet her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry I couldn\'t be with you today at her funeral. I will have her remembered here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. God bless you and I will keep you tucked in my heart.
Shirley Farrell
Toni Bergeon
left a message on January 23, 2015:
Mike, so sorry to hear about the loss of Cindy. Thoughts and prayers are with you from the Schmidts in Rhinelander.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Pam Gallenberger
left a message on January 22, 2015:
Our deepest condolences to you and your family Dr. Harkins.
LaVerne (Mrs. John) Thatcher
left a message on January 21, 2015:
My heart goes out to Cindy's family and friends. Cindy was a beautiful person, both inside and out. I was so fortunate to know her and I know she will be sorely missed. Take comfort in knowing there is a new angel in heaven looking over us.
Clare Kosel
left a message on January 21, 2015:
Oh Dr. Harkins, I am so sorry! I am reduced to tears every time I think of your great loss. You and your beautiful wife were always so kind to me and I will never ever forget that. May Our Lord and His Blessed Mother comfort you and your sons in your sorrow, and may she rest in peace.
Jody & Dan
left a message on January 21, 2015:
Mike, Michael and Kris - you are all in our thoughts and prayers in this time of such great loss. Cindy so loved being a mom. I remember when they were blessed with both of you. She and your dad were instantly in love. She has now moved on from being an angel on earth to being your angel in Heaven. God bless you all.
Meredith Baciak
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dr. Harkins,
Sorry to hear about your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. When I heard the news, the first thing that came to mind is how you attended my grandfather Don Wilmet's funeral and how you went out of your way to share stories about him. It amazed me how you knew about everyone in our family and talked about him on such a friendship level with him only being a patient of yours. That experience has held a special place in my heart. I know you will experience the same thing with the amazing stories that people will share about Cindy! Hold those memories close as they are priceless. She was so kind hearted and will be missed! Sincerely, Meredith Wilmet-Baciak and family
Bonnie Turner
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dear Dr. Mike, Michael and Kris:
Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. We will miss seeing Cindy's bright smile in the office.
Peace and love to all.
Bonnie and family xx
Lynsey Marie Schwartz
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Mike and sons I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed!
Dave and Robin Jelinek
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Mike, Robin and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts. Love, Dave & Robin Jelinek
Gail Addie
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dr. Mike and family, my heart is saddened by your loss. Cindy was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. Always a smile and a kind word. We all were blessed to have known her and shared a part of her life. May she suffer no more! Go with God, Cindy. Your journey here is complete.
Gretchen Roth
left a message on January 20, 2015:
I am so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Cindy. I have such fond memories of her as a friend and as a wonderful mother and wife. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Tad Schubring
left a message on January 19, 2015:
Cindy was a true testimony of Jesus' love. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Harkins and his family.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matt. 5:4).
Amy, Donald, Hayden, Jocelyn
left a message on January 19, 2015:
We love you Cindy and are praying for Dr., Mike and Kris
Marsha Yulga (Lawson)
left a message on January 19, 2015:
I'm so sorry for your loss. You were great neighbors.
Marsha Yulga (Lawson)
Dave & Krista O'Brien
left a message on January 18, 2015:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Krista O'Brien
Robert & Barbara Albers
left a message on January 17, 2015:
Cindy was so kind and thoughtful. She always had a minute to stop & talk and always made each person she was talking to feel important. We will miss her smile and sweet disposition. Caring thoughts are with you all. Bob & Barb Albers
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Mike
left a message on January 17, 2015:
I remember Cindy as an adorable, sweet young lady that always put others ahead of herself. She was genuine, and had a kind word for everyone. Rest in peace, and God bless those that were fortunate to have her in their lives. With love Mike Caravello and family.
Kim & Chris Heikkila & family
left a message on January 16, 2015:
So sorry to hear this. We were wishing for a miracle. Our deepest sympathy to Mike and your kids. May they find some comfort in the love and prayers from all your family and friends. You were a great lady!!
Jean Bruhn
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Rick and I send our deepest sympathy. We are so saddened for your loss and sending prayers and strength to your family.
Jean and Rick
Dorrie Houk
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Mike, and boys my heart aches for you and your loss. May the Lord help you through this difficult time.
Dorrie & Philip Houk (Boy Scout Troop 50)
Mrs. Jane Windels
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Michael, Kristopher and Rick I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom, and loving wife. It's been many years Michael and Kris since I had you as students in second grade but I remember you and your loving mom with very fond memories. Her love and kindness will live on through you two.
Mrs. Jane Windels
Mrs. Jane Windels
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Mike, Michael and Kristopher I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom. I remember you Michael and Kristopher, with fond memories back in second grade. I know the love and kindness your mother had will live on through both of you. My prayers are with you.
Stephen Trish and Alyssa Voss
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. Cindy was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be sorely missed. May the Lord keep you and your family close during this time for comfort
Lynne Kohlhepp
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Words can't express my sadness for the entire Harkins family. Cindy taught me how to be a mom, was the perfect Godmother for our daughter, and was the best neighbor you could ever hope to have. Prayers and hugs, Mike, Michael, and Kristopher!
The Kohlhepp Family
Julie Holschuh
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Beautiful lady inside and out. Mike, Michael and Kris, you are in our prayers. God bless all of you! Rest in peace, Cindy. We love you!
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Ginny Sowieja
left a message on January 15, 2016:
Mike Wadzinski
left a message on December 3, 2015:
Gretchen Rizzo
left a message on January 26, 2015:
I am sending my deepest sympathy. Cindy was a beautiful person.
Shirley A Farrell
left a message on January 23, 2015:
Dr. Mike
I am so sad to hear Cindy passed away. She was a very beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed by all of us who were privileged to meet her. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am very sorry I couldn\'t be with you today at her funeral. I will have her remembered here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help. God bless you and I will keep you tucked in my heart.
Shirley Farrell
Toni Bergeon
left a message on January 23, 2015:
Mike, so sorry to hear about the loss of Cindy. Thoughts and prayers are with you from the Schmidts in Rhinelander.
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Pam Gallenberger
left a message on January 22, 2015:
Our deepest condolences to you and your family Dr. Harkins.
LaVerne (Mrs. John) Thatcher
left a message on January 21, 2015:
My heart goes out to Cindy's family and friends. Cindy was a beautiful person, both inside and out. I was so fortunate to know her and I know she will be sorely missed. Take comfort in knowing there is a new angel in heaven looking over us.
Clare Kosel
left a message on January 21, 2015:
Oh Dr. Harkins, I am so sorry! I am reduced to tears every time I think of your great loss. You and your beautiful wife were always so kind to me and I will never ever forget that. May Our Lord and His Blessed Mother comfort you and your sons in your sorrow, and may she rest in peace.
Jody & Dan
left a message on January 21, 2015:
Mike, Michael and Kris - you are all in our thoughts and prayers in this time of such great loss. Cindy so loved being a mom. I remember when they were blessed with both of you. She and your dad were instantly in love. She has now moved on from being an angel on earth to being your angel in Heaven. God bless you all.
Meredith Baciak
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dr. Harkins,
Sorry to hear about your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you. When I heard the news, the first thing that came to mind is how you attended my grandfather Don Wilmet's funeral and how you went out of your way to share stories about him. It amazed me how you knew about everyone in our family and talked about him on such a friendship level with him only being a patient of yours. That experience has held a special place in my heart. I know you will experience the same thing with the amazing stories that people will share about Cindy! Hold those memories close as they are priceless. She was so kind hearted and will be missed! Sincerely, Meredith Wilmet-Baciak and family
Bonnie Turner
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dear Dr. Mike, Michael and Kris:
Please accept our deepest condolences in the loss of your beautiful wife and mother. We will miss seeing Cindy's bright smile in the office.
Peace and love to all.
Bonnie and family xx
Lynsey Marie Schwartz
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Mike and sons I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed!
Dave and Robin Jelinek
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Mike, Robin and I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts. Love, Dave & Robin Jelinek
Gail Addie
left a message on January 20, 2015:
Dr. Mike and family, my heart is saddened by your loss. Cindy was a wonderful person and she will be greatly missed. Always a smile and a kind word. We all were blessed to have known her and shared a part of her life. May she suffer no more! Go with God, Cindy. Your journey here is complete.
Gretchen Roth
left a message on January 20, 2015:
I am so sorry to hear about the sad passing of Cindy. I have such fond memories of her as a friend and as a wonderful mother and wife. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Tad Schubring
left a message on January 19, 2015:
Cindy was a true testimony of Jesus' love. My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Harkins and his family.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matt. 5:4).
Amy, Donald, Hayden, Jocelyn
left a message on January 19, 2015:
We love you Cindy and are praying for Dr., Mike and Kris
Marsha Yulga (Lawson)
left a message on January 19, 2015:
I'm so sorry for your loss. You were great neighbors.
Marsha Yulga (Lawson)
Dave & Krista O'Brien
left a message on January 18, 2015:
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave & Krista O'Brien
Robert & Barbara Albers
left a message on January 17, 2015:
Cindy was so kind and thoughtful. She always had a minute to stop & talk and always made each person she was talking to feel important. We will miss her smile and sweet disposition. Caring thoughts are with you all. Bob & Barb Albers
Peace of mind is a call away. We're here when you need us most.
Mike
left a message on January 17, 2015:
I remember Cindy as an adorable, sweet young lady that always put others ahead of herself. She was genuine, and had a kind word for everyone. Rest in peace, and God bless those that were fortunate to have her in their lives. With love Mike Caravello and family.
Kim & Chris Heikkila & family
left a message on January 16, 2015:
So sorry to hear this. We were wishing for a miracle. Our deepest sympathy to Mike and your kids. May they find some comfort in the love and prayers from all your family and friends. You were a great lady!!
Jean Bruhn
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Rick and I send our deepest sympathy. We are so saddened for your loss and sending prayers and strength to your family.
Jean and Rick
Dorrie Houk
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Mike, and boys my heart aches for you and your loss. May the Lord help you through this difficult time.
Dorrie & Philip Houk (Boy Scout Troop 50)
Mrs. Jane Windels
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Michael, Kristopher and Rick I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom, and loving wife. It's been many years Michael and Kris since I had you as students in second grade but I remember you and your loving mom with very fond memories. Her love and kindness will live on through you two.
Mrs. Jane Windels
Mrs. Jane Windels
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Mike, Michael and Kristopher I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom. I remember you Michael and Kristopher, with fond memories back in second grade. I know the love and kindness your mother had will live on through both of you. My prayers are with you.
Stephen Trish and Alyssa Voss
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. Cindy was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be sorely missed. May the Lord keep you and your family close during this time for comfort
Lynne Kohlhepp
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Words can't express my sadness for the entire Harkins family. Cindy taught me how to be a mom, was the perfect Godmother for our daughter, and was the best neighbor you could ever hope to have. Prayers and hugs, Mike, Michael, and Kristopher!
The Kohlhepp Family
Julie Holschuh
left a message on January 16, 2015:
Beautiful lady inside and out. Mike, Michael and Kris, you are in our prayers. God bless all of you! Rest in peace, Cindy. We love you!
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