Monica Kindt

Monica Joyce Kindt (Ries) passed away on Sunday, March 16th, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was 66 years old.

Monica was born and raised as the oldest of six children on an acreage outside of Watertown, SD where growing up, she formed a special bond with her siblings, who looked up to her, and enjoyed the close-knit love of her extended family. The family spent many cherished moments running around the farm, and Monica enjoyed afternoons with her Aunties, primping, painting nails, and curling hair. Her Uncle, Chet Lohr, was a key figure in her life, and she considered him like a brother.

The family relocated to Beresford, SD, when Monica was in 9th grade. She was a vibrant and involved student, participating in cheerleading and playing in the band. Monica graduated from Beresford High School in 1977.

After high school, Monica settled in Sioux Falls, where she lived for most of her adult life. She found a passion for music and spent many years working in the recorded retail industry, most notably at Ernie November, where she considered her colleagues to be family.

Monica’s greatest joy was being a mother. In 1987, she welcomed her first child, TK, followed by her daughter Tori in 1991. Her love for sports was deeply intertwined with her children’s lives, especially as she spent endless hours cheering them on in their fast-pitch softball games. She was a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Twins, the NHL, and the Minnesota Vikings, and enjoyed watching sports with friends and family.

Monica later transitioned to a career as a bookkeeper in the transportation industry, but her love for music remained unwavering. She enjoyed listening to her extensive music collection, burning incense, and reading Rolling Stone magazine. She also loved solving puzzles, especially crosswords, and had an unmatched talent for them. Monica found comfort in her downtown brownstone apartment, often spending weekends exploring local shops and enjoying the vibrant community along Phillips Avenue with her daughters and her grandchildren.

In 2012, Monica was blessed with the birth of her first grandson, Jaxon, followed by Luka in 2024. She cherished her time with her grandsons and formed a special bond with them, treasuring every moment.

In 2024, Monica was diagnosed with cancer and faced her battle with grace, courage, and determination. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy, and was deeply moved by the generosity of friends and family who supported her throughout her journey. Her strength inspired those around her.

Monica will be remembered by many for her kind heart, her bright spirit, and the love she gave to her family and friends.

She is survived by her mother, Barbara Ries of Sioux Falls; her children, TK Kindt, Minneapolis, MN and Tori Anderson (Jake Haberman), Sioux Falls; brothers, Ted Ries and Tom Ries (Suzy) of Sioux Falls, Terry Ries (Tracy) of Hartford; sisters, Pat Sawyer of Pensacola, FL, and Joan Wiklund of Minnetonka, MN; grandsons, Jaxon and Luka; eleven nieces and nephews, Kyle, Alex, and Micah Ries, Emily Ries and Andrea Sawyer, Claire, Louis, and Joseph Wiklund, Jarod, Brianna, and Collin Ries; great-nephews, Hudson Ries, AJ Sawyer, and Rayedon Ries.

Monica was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Ries, and her very special friend, Lori Sterner.

A service to celebrate Monica's life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 901 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to support Voices Against Cancer Family Assistance Program in Sioux Falls.