Constance M. Wangsness

Constance M. "Connie" Wangsness, age 98 of Grafton, ND passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton. Constance M. Tokvam was born November 14, 1915 in Mandt, ND the daughter of the late Michael and Marie (Bjelde) Tokvam. She was baptized there and confirmed at Grafton Lutheran Church. Connie attended rural school at the Bell School and graduated from Grafton High School in 1933. She was engaged to be married to Joseph Wangsness prior to World War II. In 1941, at the age of 26, she moved to Washington and became one of the original "Rosie the Riveter" and worked in the shipyards for 2 ½ years. She returned home and was united in marriage to Joseph Wangsness on October 28, 1944 in Grafton. The couple made their home in Grafton. Connie worked as a housekeeper and dispatcher for the Adams Funeral Home and Ambulance Service for many years. Joseph passed away June 14, 1986 and Connie continued to make her home in Grafton. She was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church and WELCA, the Lutheran Sunset Home Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and the Unity Hospital Auxiliary. She loved spending time in her flower and vegetable gardens. Connie is survived by her children: Michael (Debi) Wangsness, Colorado Springs, CO; David (Lisa) Wangsness, Big Canoe, GA; Laurel (Erwin) Jaster, LeSuer, MN; five grandchildren: Kjersti (Darren) Paladino, Amy (James) Lavin, Michael (Julie) Wangsness, Katie (Chip) Mitchell, Kirsten (Todd) Wines, nine great grandchildren, brother-in-law, Irvin Wangsness, CA and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, grandson, Troy, brothers: Henry and Clinton"Buddy" and sister, Lillian Hesch. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 2:30 PM at the Lutheran Sunset Home Chapel. Visitation will be Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Grafton Lutheran Cemetery.