Connie Elaine Schnirring

Constance Elaine Schnirring, 92, of Hayfield, MN, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 11, 2023, at Fieldcrest Nursing Home. She was born on March 24, 1931, in Vernon Township, MN, to Richard and Ethel (Grovdahl) Thoe. Connie graduated from Hayfield High School in 1949 and embarked on a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.

After graduating, Connie ventured to Rochester and worked at Marigold Foods before taking on roles at the E&R Café and Mave’s Rest Home later in life. On June 8, 1955, she married the love of her life, Walter Rae Schnirring, in Hayfield, MN. Together, they built a life filled with joy and shared adventures until Walter's passing in 1995.

Connie had an infectious spirit and a quick wit that never dulled. She cherished her family deeply and expressed her opinions with honesty and humor. Connie's laughter, jokes, and trademark "uff-da!" will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.  Connie loved, and was loved by her family.  You could often hear the laughter from the other room where she was playing cards or games with the grand kids or family members.

In her younger days, Connie enjoyed dancing with friends and was skilled in the art of waltz and polka. She also embraced the outdoors, joining Walter and friends on fishing trips up north, even if the big catch eluded her. Connie loved flowers and will be remembered for her large Iris and Peony gardens which have been cut and transplanted all over the area which will leave a legacy for years to come. For over two decades, she escaped the Minnesota winters, finding warmth and camaraderie in Arizona with her sisters, where they met new friends, played cards, games, attended the theater, and planted flowers. Connie was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hayfield, MN, where she taught Sunday school, participated in Ladies Aid, and generously volunteered her time.

She is survived by her four children: Paula (Dave) Blazing of Racine, MN; Randy (Denise) Schnirring of Eden Prairie, MN; Bryan (RoxAnn) Schnirring of Kasson, MN; Sara (Steve) Schnirring of Scottsdale, AZ. Connie is also remembered by her grandchildren Mike (Maggie) Blazing, Samantha Schnirring, Lucas Schnirring; great-grandchildren Remy Blazing and Neva Blazing; and her siblings, Loretta Himle and David Thoe (Jean), all of Hayfield, MN.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ethel (Grovdahl) Thoe; husband Walter Schnirring; sister Martha Beaver; brother Robert Thoe; infant brother Arthur Thoe; brothers-in-law Loren Himle and Wallace Beaver; sister-in-law Murna Thoe; nephew Rodney Himle; and niece Doreen Thoe Demmer.

The memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, 109 East Main Street in Hayfield with Reverend Brad Vander Waal officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 501 2nd St NW in Hayfield and one hour before the service at the church on Thursday. Inurnment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Fieldcrest Nursing Home for the thoughtful care they provided Connie over the past few years and to Mayo Hospice during her final weeks. The family asks that any memorials be sent to Hayfield Presbyterian Church or charity of their choice.

May Connie's memory be a source of comfort and inspiration for all who knew and loved her.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes,501 2nd St NW Hayfield, MN 55940 (507)477-2259. Blessed be her memory