Connie R. Wouters

Constance “Connie” Rae Wouters, 78, of Hawley, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025, in Viking Manor, Ulen, MN.

Connie was born in Fargo, ND on May 14, 1947, to Russel and Ethel (Olson) Burnside and grew up on the family’s farm in rural Hawley. She graduated from Hawley High School in 1965 and went on to attend business school.

Connie later got married and started a family. She stayed home to raise her children but later became a home health aide. Connie was passionate about caring for others in need and she also spent time as head cook at Hawley Senior Living and later as head cook at the Whistle Stop Café in Hawley where she also ran the catering services. Connie had a business forward mindset and owned and operated the Hawley consignment shop for a time.

Connie loved the outdoors and could spend hours in her flower garden caring for her plants. She even took a position with Country Greenery out of Moorhead and worked as a floral designer. Connie also enjoyed jewel making, camping, fishing, horseback riding, playing piano and traveling.

Connie is survived by her children, Sheila (Mark) Sherman, Lynette (Jack) Hoss, and Scott Wouters; grandchildren, Jesse and Ethen Hoss, and Mitchell and Reilly Wouters; siblings, Russell (June) Burnside, Diane St. Martin, Becky Olson, Larry (Kathy) Burnside. and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russel and Ethel and brother-in-law, Gary St Martin.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour before the service at Lysne Lutheran Church, rural Hawley, MN.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.