Connie Lou Swenson

CONNIE LOU (SCHNEPF) SWENSON was born on October 10, 1952, in Luverne, Minnesota to Cristina and Louis Lowe. She was baptized in the Presbyterian Church in 1959, in Luverne, and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. She was adopted by Paul and Cristena Schnepf, who made their family home in Ihlen, Minnesota where Connie attended school. She and several other students were the last class in Ihlen as the Ihlen School closed in 1961. At that time, she continued her education in Pipestone, Minnesota. Connie was the first activity instructor in Ihlen for the children’s summer program which included ball games, picnics, parades and storytelling times. She also worked several years in the Jasper Bar and Thorson Drug in Jasper. She spent most of her life in the Jasper/Ihlen area and spent 13 years in Florida. While in Florida, Connie used her many talents by maintaining the grounds. Customers loved seeing her at the Second Edition in Pipestone. In the beginning of 2012, she was diagnosed with cancer. In July of 2014, she was admitted into the Pipestone County Hospice House in Pipestone, where she died on August 21, 2014, at the age of 61 years, 10 months and 11 days.

Connie loved gardening, was a great decorator, and always kept a perfectly clean home. She will be remembered for her humor, quick wit and child-like spirit. Her hair, nails and make-up were always immaculate. Most of all, Connie enjoyed spending time and hearing of the happenings of all her children and grandchildren.

Connie is lovingly remembered by her children; Bryce (Erica Huiskes) Matthiesen of Luverne, Minnesota, Bridget (Jim) Benz of Pipestone, Weston (Mandy Thompson) Matthiesen of Pipestone, and Kayla (Jeff) Stanley of Highmore, South Dakota; 12 grandchildren; one sister Barbra (Don) Westerbur of Jasper; one brother Dennis Schadwinkel of Luverne; special friends Darlene Steen and Karla Ykema; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul Schnepf, mother, Cristena (Solma) Schnepf and her brother Ricky Schnepf.