Cindy Schreiber-Beck

Cindy’s Live Streamed Funeral Service can be viewed below starting shortly before her service on Wednesday:

Cynthia Kay Schreiber-Beck, 70, of Wahpeton, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 18, 2025. She was born on December 13, 1954, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Robert and Eldora (Eckley) Schreiber.

Cindy was raised on a farm near Foxhome, Minnesota, and attended Campbell Public Schools. She played drums in the band, was a cheerleader for the Campbell Camels, and a member of the homecoming court. She was also active in the Wilkin County “Riverside Rockets” 4-H Club and a card-carrying member of the National High School Rodeo Association. From a young age, Cindy had a deep love for animals—especially horses and dogs. She spent much of her free time in the barn, caring for her animals with patience and pride, and was the only one of the four Schreiber siblings allowed to bring pets into the house—something she wore as a badge of honor.

After graduating from Campbell High School, Cindy earned a degree in Speech and Language Pathology from Moorhead State University and taught primarily in public schools across Minnesota. In 1982, she married Gerry Beck, and together they founded Tri-State Aviation in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Under their leadership, the company became an industry innovator—perfecting the SuperBoom and developing the first EPA-approved taxi-through loading facility. In 1985, Cindy and Gerry welcomed their daughter, Whitney, and soon became devoted supporters of Wahpeton activities and athletics—especially Three Rivers Gymnastics and the high school gymnastics team. Through years of meets and practices, they built lasting friendships with fellow gym parents—relationships that extended well beyond Whitney’s time in the gym and remained deeply meaningful throughout Cindy’s life.

Following Gerry’s passing in 2007, Cindy showed incredible strength and resilience, continuing to lead Tri-State Aviation and successfully transitioning the business to new ownership in 2017, ensuring its legacy for future generations.

Beyond her entrepreneurial spirit, Cindy was a steadfast advocate for agricultural aviation. For nearly four decades, she served as Executive Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association (NDAAA), tirelessly promoting the industry at both the state and national levels. Whether convening with policymakers or organizing key conferences, her leadership was invaluable—especially during challenging times such as the aviation shutdown following September 11, 2001.

Cindy was also a passionate advocate for education in North Dakota. She believed deeply in the power of education to shape communities and open doors, particularly in rural areas. As a legislator and community leader, she championed policies to support teachers, expand access to resources, and improve outcomes for students. Her dedication to strengthening public education was evident in her work on the House Education Committee, where she consistently pushed for thoughtful, future-focused solutions to benefit students across the state.

Her influence extended further through her service as a commissioner on the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and her active roles in the National Agricultural Aviation Association and Women of the NAAA. She was committed to educating the next generation about agricultural aviation, earning the Most Active Woman Award from NAAA in 1989 for her exemplary efforts.

From 1997 to 2022, Cindy served as a commissioner on the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, where her expertise helped shape aviation policy across the state. In 2013, she was a member of the Governor’s task force that successfully advocated for North Dakota to become one of the nation’s Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) test sites.

Beginning in 2015, Cindy proudly represented her community in the North Dakota House of Representatives, serving on the Education and Agriculture Committees. Her legislative work remained focused on aviation, innovation, agriculture, and education—ensuring her values continued to guide state policy.

In 2019, Cindy embraced a new challenge at Ellingson Companies, stepping into a sales role with the same drive and dedication that had always defined her. Even while serving in office, she didn’t miss a beat—quickly earning the trust of clients and making a meaningful impact across the region. With her deep understanding of agriculture and infrastructure, she guided farmers through complex systems affecting their land. As a legislator, she championed reforms to North Dakota’s drainage laws, advocating for smarter water solutions that improved farmers’ lives while protecting the land for future generations. Through it all, she remained focused on what mattered most—serving her community and strengthening the industries that keep North Dakota thriving.

Cindy Schreiber-Beck leaves behind her mother, Eldora Schreiber, Breckenridge, MN; daughter, Whitney (Erik) Barner, Fargo, ND; beloved granddaughter, Echo Juliett; siblings, Charles “Chuck” (Karen) Schreiber, Foxhome, MN, Carolyn Schreiber, Seal Beach, CA, Lawrence “Skip” (Kathy) Schreiber, Foxhome, MN and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry, and her father, Robert.

A funeral service to celebrate Cindy’s remarkable life will be held on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at the Fargo Air Museum starting at 4:00 PM with visitation starting at 2:00 PM.

A private burial will take place at Old Bohemian Cemetery – Riverside, Wahpeton, ND.

Cindy’s unwavering dedication to aviation and her community earned her a well-deserved place in the North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame. As we say goodbye to a beloved daughter, mother, and leader, we remember her passion, compassion, and remarkable contributions that will continue to inspire future generations. In honor of her enduring legacy, the Cindy Schreiber-Beck Memorial Scholarship has been established through the North Dakota Community Foundation. This endowed fund will provide scholarships to support future leaders in aviation, agriculture, and public service—fields that defined Cindy’s life and work. To contribute, please visit: https://ndcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=10008. Thank you for helping us carry her legacy forward.

May she rest in peace.

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