Connie B. Crussel

March 21, 1922 - January 12, 2016

Connie B. Crussel, age 93, of The Neighbors of Dunn County, Menomonie, WI entered into her eternal rest on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016 where she was lovingly cared for by this wonderful family for the past two years. She enjoyed many special times including the mystery trips, rides in the country, barbeques and Bingo with her “family” there. Constance was born March 21, 1922 in Plumer, MN to Ole and Anna (Loseth) Bratten, who migrated to the U.S. before she was born. She attended school until the 8th grade, and continued to help her parents until she moved to Colorado Springs, CO where she met and married James T. Crussel. From this union they welcomed their children, James, Geraldine and Colleen. During W.W.II James was drafted to fight in the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 and returned home safely. After raising their children, Connie embarked on getting her GED followed by a nursing degree, which privileged her to private duty, caring for a descendant of Robert E. Lee. Following her retirement Connie bought a big house in the country near Menomonie, WI where all friends and family could gather and reminisce. She loved her grandchildren, gardening, bird watching and her animals, and most of all her Saviour. Connie’s grandchildren enjoyed many good times sledding down her big hills along with bountiful delicious home cooked meals. Often she would take them to her retreat at Moon Lake Resort. Until her 93rd year, she was always up for a ride no matter how frail her body was. We will miss her enthusiasm for life and her strong faith by demonstrating the love for the Lord, despite the hardships she encountered on her journey through life. Connie is survived by her children, James (Jan) Crussel, Geraldine (Rich) Hendrikson, and Colleen Vanghen; grandchildren, Amy (Bryce) Hagbom, David (Robyn) Crussel, Lisa (Wade) Nagel, Shawnda Racine, Brianna (Terry) Koleski, Jerrad Hendrikson, Joshua Hendrikson, Heather Dugan (Bill), Chris Vanghen; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Ava, Corbin, Caden, Carson, Taylor, Trevor, Gavin and Sawyer. She is also survived by one sister, Amanda Myers; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brothers, Art and John Bratten and sister, Clara Muller. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI. There will be visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery in Downsville, WI.