Cynthia Leah Schlegel

Cynthia Leah Schlegel, 40 of Milan, IL passed away on September 9, 2023.

Cynthia was born October 19, 1982, to Mark and Joni.  She attended public schools in the Rockridge School District, and one year (7th grade) in Guernsey, Wyoming.  

Cynthia played basketball throughout her school years. In 7th grade she averaged 24 points a game and could make three pointers from NBA range. She was top scorer in the 7th and 8th grade school league that year.

After graduation she entered the Air Force in October, just one month after September 11, 2001. Thereafter she was deployed to Kuwait for six months in 2003, where she worked as Aviation resource manager. Cynthia was awarded the Airman of the Year Achievement Medal for outstanding achievement in 2003. Upon her return, she finished her service at Cannon Air Force Base, NM.  In 2005, after leaving Clovis she resided in California for a few years, returning to the Quad Cities in May of 2009. In 2017, she completed the La James International College training in reflexology and massage therapy. 

Cynthia enjoyed being with her niece, nephew, family, painting on canvas, visiting her dad in Wyoming and her various road trips.  

She had a vivacious personality and was an incredibly generous human being. She had a laugh that would fill up any room she was in. 

She had a special gift for giving you the perfect present and it filled her heart with such joy!

 She is dearly missed by all who love her. 

Survivors include her father, Mark Schlegel, mother, Joni Griffin, stepfather, Terry Griffin, siblings, Jessica Schlegel, Tara (Mike) Ralph, Seth Griffin (Erin) and stepsister, Angie Hubbard (Ed).

 Niece and nephew, Maggie Crawford and Miles Crawford, and niece, Thea Ralph.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Leo Drish, and recently her maternal grandmother, Lorena Drish-Runyan. Paternal grandfather, William Anderson, maternal grandmother, Rosemary Schlegel. Great uncle, Fred Frankville, and uncles, Bill Schlegel, and Joe Drish. Three cousins, Deborah Drish, Angie Gillette, and Susan Robinson.

Cynthia will be laid to rest at a private burial with military honors at The Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island is assisting the family.

Donations may be made to the family or to Mission 22. 

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