Constance Velde

Constance "Connie" Ver Velde, 72, of Grafton, passed away PEACEfully on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, following a courageous battle with ALS at Pine Haven Christian Home in Sheboygan Falls surrounded by her family. Constance was born on June 30, 1940, in Sheboygan to Leonard and Veronica (Janssen) Heilmann. She was a 1958 graduate of Sheboygan Central High School and attended Stout State College in Menomonie, WI. On October 2, 1965, she married Wayne "Duffy" Ver Velde at First Reformed Church in Oostburg. Constance was the owner/operator of a home furnishings store and previously employed by Borden Foods and the West Bend Company. Constance was a member of Pilgrim United Church in Grafton, where she served as an usher and greeter. She was president of Port Washington Business and Professional Women and started the first recycling program in Ozaukee County. Constance love for children led her to open her home and nurture five foster children through the years. She enjoyed sales, sewing, baking, gardening, traveling, wearing hats, and collecting Mickey Mouse and Christmas tree pins. She wore many "hats" in life but her greatest joy was being a vendor for 30 years at various shows throughout Wisconsin. She will always be remembered for her famous Seven Layer Salad and delicious Apple Pie that she shared at get-togethers with family and friends. Constance is survived by her husband of 47 years, Wayne; one sister, Pauline (Donald) Dicke of Sheboygan Falls; one brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lyle "Duff" and Ann Ver Velde; two step sisters-in-law, Diane Oonk of Sheboygan and Mary Jo Oonk of Oostburg; close family friend, Dennis Watson of Sheboygan Falls; other relatives and many friends. She will also be missed by her loyal companion, her brown Labrador, Lightning Leo. Constance is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Veronica Heilmann. A graveside service to celebrate Constance's life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 14, 2013, at Hartman Cemetery in the Town of Wilson with Rev. Franz Rigert of Pilgrim United Church officiating. ALS (Lou Gehrig's) is a rare and fatal disease for which there is no cure, yet Connie never felt sorry for herself or gave up. Instead, she continued as always, treating each day as a gift from God. On Wednesday, Constance received her ultimate blessing from God - By His grace, He released the chains of this debilitating disease that was ravaging her body and set her free. Our hearts will ache but our souls will forever contain the gifts that were left behind. Constance would want us to remember her with smiles and not tears. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rev. David Van Dixhorn at Pine Haven Christian Home and Rev. Franz Rigert from Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Grafton for their care and compassion shown towards Connie. For online condolences and additional information please visit www.wenigfuneralhome.com The staff of the Wenig Funeral Home of Oostburg (920-564-2771) is assisting Constance's family with arrangements.

Service

Monday, January 14, 2013 11:00 AM
Hartman Cemetery
Town of Wilson WI ,