Connie grew up on a dairy farm in the Groton, SD area. After getting married, she moved to Rapid City, SD. She raised a family and spent most of her adult life there.
Connie worked as a hairdresser, deli clerk, and housewife. Her best work was as a “mom.” She always volunteered as a team mom, class mom, and other roles. She was known as a good cook. Her house was a gathering place for any occasion.
Connie had a passion for family, gardening, crafting, and animals. On family outings to the Black Hills, she was quick to gather wildflowers and make beautiful bouquets. She especially loved dogs and raised several throughout the years. She was fond of cocker spaniels and golden retrievers. Connie always loved Christmas and transformed her house into a wonderland.
Connie approached everything in life with a calm and even demeanor. She felt things always had a way of working out. She battled stage IV cancer with the same spirit.
Family members include her son Scott (Laura) Olson, Lincoln; grandchildren Ryan, Jenna, and Thomas Olson; brother Duane Kurtz; sisters Karon Kurtz, Shirley Simon, and Lois (Victor) Schwahn, all of Aberdeen, SD;
brother-in-law John Blocker, Huron, SD; sister-in-law Sue Kurtz, Dallas, TX; ex-brother-in-law Dwight Olson, Webster, SD; ex-brother-in-law Mike (Kyleen) Olson Sturgis, SD; several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her parents, daughter Stacie Olson, brothers Darwin “Hank” and Dennis Kurtz, and sister Myrtle Blocker.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to your local hospice provider, humane society, or Veterans Honored Interment (VHI) of South Dakota.