Connie Tysdal

Connie Jean Tysdal passed away at her group home on March 28, 2025 at the age of 77. She was born July 7, 1947 to Harold and Esther Schnabel in Venturia, North Dakota. Connie grew up with her younger brother, Wayne, in the Ashley, North Dakota area.

In 1965, Connie graduated from Ashley Public School. She went on to graduate from UND Ellendale College with a degree in elementary education. She taught first grade in Henry, South Dakota for 1½ years, and went on to teach 3rd and 5th grade in Wyndmere, North Dakota for several years.

While attending college in Ellendale, she met her future husband, LeRoy. They were married at the Ashley Baptist Church on August 27, 1974. After her last year of teaching, they moved to Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

Upon moving to Fergus Falls, Connie worked as a parts assistant in their business, Tysdal Miller Implement. Soon thereafter, LeRoy and Connie bought their first house and rented out the upstairs rooms as sleeping rooms. Shortly after, they bought three duplexes and a house as rental properties. Connie would always help paint and renovate the apartments.

On March 26, 1987 Connie and LeRoy were overjoyed to be blessed with a 3-month-old first daughter, Kelsey, from South Korea. They tried for several years to adopt more children, and eight years later, they were blessed again with almost 3-year-old Cassidy and 1½ year old Shannon, from Vietnam.

Connie was active in church and a part of the children's ministry. Her hobbies also included rug hooking, stamp collecting, studying archeology and her Bible, and taking care of her grandchildren.

Connie is survived by her husband, LeRoy; daughters, Kelsey (Tyler) Peterson of Erhard, MN, Cassidy Rafteseth of West Fargo, ND and Shannon Svien (Adam Gerhardson) of Foxhome, MN; brother, Wayne Schnabel of Shoreview, SD; grandchildren, Tobias and Rylee Svien, Elijah and Hannah Peterson; and nieces and nephew.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Esther Schnabel; in-laws, Lewis and Thea Tysdal; sister-in-law and her husband, Luella and Rollis Miller.

Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service at the church.

Clergy: Reverend Dale Hexum

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com