Memorial services for Constance "Connie" J. Schaeffer age 62 of rural McLaughlin will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Kesling Funeral Chapel in Mobridge. Constance passed away Friday, March 20, 2015 at Sanford Hospice in Bismarck, ND

Constance Jean Schaeffer, 62 of rural McLaughlin, South Dakota was born September 21, 1952 to Donald and Violet (Litzau) Schaeffer in McLaughlin, South Dakota. She was the 2nd eldest of 7 children.

Constance was a 1970 graduate of McLaughlin High School, McLaughlin, South Dakota. She continued her education at Bismarck Junior College, Bismarck, North Dakota and graduated in 1974 with a Cosmetology Degree from Josef's School of Hair Design.

She worked at Bismarck Hospital and Bismarck Secretarial Answering Service in the late 1970's.
In 1983, Connie returned home and became fully involved in the farming, ranching, dairy operation with her parents (Donald & Violet) and 3 brothers (Jeff, Jerry & Clay).

Connie started her battle with ovarian cancer in May of 2009. In December of 2009, she underwent surgery at Mao Clinic in Rochester, MN. Two weeks later, she returned home to recover and start chemotherapy. During her battle with cancer, she endured a heart attack, gallstones, a burst gallbladder, a hernia, kidney failure, and numerous surgeries. Through this all, she continued chemotherapy and by late November of 2014, she was undergoing radiation treatments.

One of the joys in Connie's life was reading. Her brothers can attest to the many, stacks of books she accumulated over the years. Another joy was taking pictures and capturing events on video.
Connie loved watching movies and shopping on the QVC network, especially late at night. Her favorite holiday was Christmas. She took advantage of this holiday to spoil the nieces and nephews.
Connie's gift giving was always over the top. Her talents extended to the kitchen, where she baked homemade donuts with frosting, homemade buns, or whipped up pea salad and large batches of peanut butter crunch bars. Whenever she baked a cake, it was covered an inch thick with frosting.

Her family came first. She lived for her nieces and nephews, making annual trips to the zoo when they visited. Connie had a generous heart and was very giving. For a time, she tried her hand at slot machines in the local casino's and became very good. So much so, she earned enough winnings to remodel her house and purchase a shiny new 2005 Jeep Cherokee. Connie was also, quick on her feet with advice for you, or to let you know that SHE had seen the FIRST Meadowlark of spring, which at times was heavily disputed.

She will be deeply missed by her family. Survivors include: 5 brothers;
Jeff (Mariann) Schaeffer, Bismarck, ND; Jerry Schaeffer, McLaughlin, SD; Steve (Bernadette) Schaeffer, Beulah, ND; Clay (Karen)Schaeffer, McLaughlin, SD; Scott (Jan)Schaeffer, New Prague, MN; brother in law, Robert Lincoln, Spokane, WA along with 5 nieces, 8 nephews, 6 great nephews, 1 great niece.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Cindy (2003); father, Donald (2002); mother, Violet (1992); grandparents, Ed and Dorothy Litzau, George and Eva Schaeffer.