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CONSTANCE GOERTZEN
Born: Aug 17, 1961
Date of Passing: Jul 14, 2025
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCONSTANCE GOERTZEN
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Constance Denyse Goertzen (nee Krahn) at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg on Monday, July 14, at age 63.
Connie was born in Altona on August 17, 1961, and grew up in Gretna. In her youth and teen years, she delivered newspapers and worked in her family’s restaurant, Annie’s, named after her mother. She moved to Winnipeg as a young woman and had several jobs, including working in the Grandma Lee’s restaurant on Pembina Highway.
She met Ken on a blind date after being introduced by mutual friends, and they were married in October 1990. Inspired by the Beach Boys 1988 hit Kokomo, they honeymooned in Aruba. They bought their first house on Mulvey Avenue and started their family, then moved to Paterson Street in 1999. The family enjoyed many holidays and road trips in Canada and the U.S. For their 25th anniversary in 2015, they visited Aruba again and even stayed in the same hotel.
Starting as a volunteer in the boys’ school, she later became an educational assistant working primarily with special needs students, a job she loved. She was a crossing guard supervisor, and trained many Grade 5 and 6 students to help their classmates get to school safely. She also spent many happy years as a member of the United Church Women’s group (UCW) at Westworth United Church, where she and Ken were married.
Connie suffered a bad fall in December 2022, and she retired in 2023. Health issues and additional falls contributed to her physical and mental decline, culminating in a massive brain hemorrhage on July 11, resulting in her passing a few days later.
Connie was predeceased by her father, Ben Krahn, in 1993. She is survived by her loving husband Ken; their three sons, Matthew (Sarah), Allan and Eric; her mother Anne and stepdad Jake Sawatzky; her brother Douglas; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Connie was a devoted wife, mother and friend, and we will miss her forever. A celebration of her life will be held at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. followed by interment and lunch at Glen Lawn.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to Variety Manitoba’s special needs program (varietymanitoba.com/give/) or a charity of your choice, in remembrance of Connie.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2025
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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Sorry for your loss. My memories about Connie was myself and Wendy set them up for a blind date! It was a perfect match. Connie was a amazing lady . So many memories!!! - Posted by: Tim wilks (Friend) on: Jul 30, 2025
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I am so sorry to hear about Connie's passing away. I did not know her, however her obituary described her as an incredible person. My heart and prayers go out to you Douglas her husband, children and the rest of the family. God bless you and keep you. Big hugs! - Posted by: Florence Klassen (Toews) (Friend) on: Jul 30, 2025
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I am so sad to learn of Connie's passing and also that she had been dealing with several health related issues since 2022. I now live in Ontario so unfortunately was not aware of all of this. I have lots of happy memories of time spent with Connie because of our UCW...the meetings, the wind up pot luck at the end of the year and of course working together at our church's annual luncheon and bazaar. So many good times! My deepest sympathy to Ken and the whole family. Connie will always be with you in spirit and in your hearts. - Posted by: Elaine Pigden (Friend from UCW) on: Jul 24, 2025
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Sincere sympathies to the entire family. I worked with Connie for many years at Island Lakes. She was very dedicated and was willing to help children and teachers in any way she could. She worked so hard with the patrols and she especially loved baking with students. She willingly shared her recipes—I think of her fondly every time I make blondies! She loved and was so proud of all of you. Please accept my deepest sympathies on your loss. - Posted by: Kathy Labelle (Colleague) on: Jul 24, 2025
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I am so sorry to hear this news. Mrs. Goertzen worked with my daughter for many years at Island Lakes School. She was always kind, patient, and truly loved the students she worked with. She still sent birthday and Christmas cards many years after Delaney moved to high school. Mrs Goertzen was so proud of her family and always had a story to share. I hope these stories and memories can support you through this loss. She will be missed. - Posted by: Shannon (School parent) on: Jul 19, 2025
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My condolences to Connie’s family and friends on their great loss. I had the good luck to be a teacher at Island Lakes when Connie worked there. Her dedication and love of her job was evident. I enjoyed our conversations during lunchtime in the staffroom where we shared stories and much laughter. She was a real character and I am so happy to have had the chance to know her. - Posted by: Greg Wilson (Colleague at Island Lakes Community School) on: Jul 19, 2025
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For many years, Connie was a cherished part of my classroom — not just as a volunteer, but as a true friend and a gentle presence who brought joy to everyone she met. The children adored her. Whether she was helping with a lesson or kneeling beside a student to offer encouragement, Connie had a way of making each child feel seen and loved. One of the most special gifts she shared with us was her love of baking. Every year, she would come in with her warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, ready to help the class make gingerbread men. It became a beloved tradition — one that brought laughter, learning, and a little extra sweetness to our hearts. Connie didn’t just bake cookies; she helped us make memories. Even now, I continue to make those gingerbread men each year — Connie gave so much of herself, and her kindness and warmth live on in every child she touched and every cookie we bake in her honour. ❤️ - Posted by: Heather Julius (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2025
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Ken and Family Sorry to learn of Connie’s sudden passing. Lorne and Susan - Posted by: Lorne and Susan Funk (Friends) on: Jul 19, 2025
