After a rich life filled with family and friends, Sydna Lou Cheever (née Riedesel) of Minneapolis peacefully died on January 18, 2026, at age 85. While afflicted with dementia, she succumbed to breast cancer.

Sydna was born on June 16, 1940, to Loyd and Bertha (Conner) Riedesel in Carroll, Iowa. After moving to South Dakota in 1954, she graduated from Brookings High School (1958) and South Dakota State University (1977).

In 1959, Sydna married Herbert E. Cheever, Jr., and they raised three sons in Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin before settling in Brookings, SD, in 1967. Sydna and Herb also lived a year in China. They moved to Minneapolis in 2000. 

Sydna served on the SD Board of Charities and Corrections (1973-1976) and Board of Nursing (1977-1983). She was a member of the Brookings City Library Board of Trustees, co-chaired an annual Brookings Evening for the Arts, performed other volunteer work in Brookings and Minneapolis, and was involved in SD political campaigns.

Sydna especially enjoyed spending time with relatives and friends, traveling, camping, reading, arts, crafts, music, theater, and bridge.

As she was beginning to lose her memory, Sydna reminisced, “I’ve lived my life to the fullest for many years, thanks to Herb and my wonderful family and friends. You all have given me great joy.”

Sydna is survived by her sons Jason (Wendy Powell), Michael, and Gene (Eileen Diepenbrock); grandchildren Jamie, Dylan, Sarah, and Benjamin; great-grandchildren Jasper, Jethro, Lia, Roscoe, and Audrey; siblings Lynn (Dianne) Riedesel, Reyna Martin, Alan (Donna) Riedesel, and Caryl (Jack) Larson; and many other loving family and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Herbert; parents Loyd and Bertha; stepmother Beverley (Swearing) Riedesel; and grandson Samuel.

Her family is planning a Minneapolis celebration of life for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Food Group, Loring Greenway Association, SDSU Foundation, or any charity of choice.

Special thanks to the staff at Pillars of Prospect Park Memory Care and Grace Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Sydna’s final years and months.