From the Office of Bishop Grant J. Hagiya
In sadness, we share the news that Mr. William (Bill) Uminski, spouse of The Rev. Cynthia Kristopeit, died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022.
Bill was a skilled astronomer and was inspired by the magnificence of God’s creation as he also taught others about the expanse and beauty of the heavens. As a survivor of abuse and suffering from post-traumatic stress from childhood, Bill was compassionate toward other abused persons and he worked to increase awareness of all forms of abuse, especially sex trafficking, and crimes against children. He was a Buddhist and respected the spiritual life and faith of all persons. He supported Cindy in fulfilling her call in her ministry and in each of her appointments. He was beloved by each of her congregations and thoroughly enjoyed being the pastor’s spouse. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Rev. Cynthia Kristopeit is a retired elder in the Desert Southwest Conference. She is a graduate of Northern Arizona University and Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. As a member of the Dakotas Annual Conference, she served at Rockham-Miranda-Cresbard UMCs (1987); DeSmet UMC (1991); Knollwood Heights and Rapid Valley UMCs (1993); and admitted on probation (1995). In the Wisconsin Annual Conference, she served at Bonduel-Zion and Red River-Salem UMCs (1996) and and became an elder in full connection in 1998. She served at Delvan UMC (2000) and then transferred to the Desert Southwest Conference in 2004. Rev. Kristopeit served at Prescott Valley UMC (2004); Mission Bell UMC (2007); Los Arcos UMC (2009); and Scottsdale UMC (2011). In 2014, Rev. Kristopeit retired and served one year at Chandler UMC.
A celebration of life will take place on August 6th in Little Rock, AR.
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Cynthia Kristopeit
1726 E. 2nd Street, Apt. C-105
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
We join our hearts together in grief, acknowledging our human loss. May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort; in sorrow, hope; and in death, resurrection. With gratitude for the life and ministry of Mr. William (Bill) Uminski, please hold his family and friends in prayer at this time.
