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Connie Susan (nee Bjerstedt) Van Keuren 1962 – 2023
Connie Susan Van Keuren, 61, of Baldwin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on December 5, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. Born in Hudson, Wisconsin, in 1962, Connie’s life was like one of the beautiful quilts she created, woven with family and friends, laughter, generosity, kindness and unconditional love.
Connie’s early years were split between Wisconsin and Mesa, Colorado, shaping her love for both rural life and the beauty of nature. Following her family’s return to Wisconsin, she graduated from River Falls High School and proudly served in the United States Army. In 1981, she embarked on a lifelong journey with her beloved best friend and husband, Mike.
Her sons, Luke and Jake, were Connie’s pride and joy. They weren’t only sons but her friends. Being “Grandma Con” to Nella and Eleanor was her delight. She taught them to sew (with her favorite color green fabric), bake pies, laugh, and brought them on adventures to Spook Cave and Glen Hills. They will miss her hugs, kisses and smile most of all.
Connie’s work at Magnusson Veterinary Services was more than a job. It’s where she found friends in customers and worked alongside family. All her life, Connie surrounded herself with animals- cats, dogs, and horses. There wasn’t a stray that got by Connie! Her love for the land and its creatures resonated in every aspect of her life, a testament to her childhood spent on the Grand Mesa in Colorado and on Glover Farm in Wisconsin.
Connie loved taking adventures with Mike, family and friends, whether it was riding horses, exploring on ATVs, touring a brewery, road trips to find the best fabric shop, or kayaking the Apple River.
Her creativity flourished through quilting and sewing, using nature’s (“Connie colors”) of green, brown, yellow and orange. She leaves a legacy of handcrafted treasures for her loved ones to cherish.
Connie made you feel welcomed and loved. Her smile was authentic, her laugh was contagious, and her presence brought peace.
Connie was preceded in death by her father, Robert Bjerstedt; her stepmother, Betty Bjerstedt; her father-in-law, Dick Van Keuren; her mother-in-law, Ruth Van Keuren; her stepfather, Bud Clausen; and her cousin, Eric Bjerstedt.
She leaves behind her loving husband, Mike; her sons, Luke (wife Lindsay and granddaughters Nella and Eleanor) and Jake; her mother, Shirley Clausen; her sister, Terry McKay; her brother, Todd Bjerstedt; and countless extended family and friends whose lives she touched immensely. Connie’s family is deeply indebted to many during her last chapter, (especially the “A (+|-)” team).
A memorial visitation was held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services in River Falls, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly prefers memorials or donations be made in Connie’s memory to a charity of your choice.
33 Comments
Our sympathy to Mike and the family. She was a great neighbor for many years. Tom & Janet DeLong
Connie was the nicest person every time I would call the vet clinic or come in with the dogs. She truly cared about them and was always so happy! Rest in peace you will be missed by so many!
I know Connie from Magnusson. Her laugh was infectious, I will miss that. She never missed an opportunity to check in and share in my adventures with the puppies. My deepest thoughts and prayers to your family.
Connie was the most amazing human being ever. There are no words for how much she will be missed. It will not be the same without her and will take a very long time to believe that she is gone. May you rest in peace beautiful kind soul.
Sending love and sympathy to Connie’s entire family. May she be at peace.
I am so sorry and shocked to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to Mike and his entire family.
I am heartbroken. She was always so helpful and always made you feel like you were a friend . She did everything she could to get the answers you needed and that it was important. Sending strength and love to her family and all the special people at Magnusson Veterinary.
I am shocked and saddened beyond belief to hear this sad news. I knew Connie from Magnsson Veterinary. She was always such a joy to talk to — both on the phone and in person. I will sure miss her smiling face and kindness–toward me AND my pets. My condolences to all of her family, friends, and co-workers.
Hello Mike and family.. Doug and I have fond memories of Connie . We enjoyed our times shooting trap so much. Connie had a smile that lite up a room. She was a people person that made everyone feel welcome.Keep her memory close they will carry you during the days ahead..
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Hello Mike and family
Doug and I send our heartfelt sympathy. We hold her memory close as we think of our times together shooting trap. She had a smile that lite up a room and made everyone feel welcome and cared for. Keep her memory close it will comfort you in the days ahead.
Every person and animal Connie met was important to her. She did so much for others, especially Dora. Another angel up there to guide us on our pathways. Her endless smile was a welcome sight whenever we met. Her genuine compassion was apparent to all. Hold those memories close. Listen carefully, she will be whispering her words of wisdom….Remember her in the laughter and the smiles.
so sorry to see this—such a sweet person
Connies’ infectious giggle always made me feel so happy. No matter how busy she was, she treated you like you were the only one at the clinic. My deepest condolences to Connies’ family. My condolences to Magnusson Vet for the loss of a truly beloved team member
Connie was such a joy to be with., her laugh from the belly and wholly joyful. She is loved and missed. My prayer are with Connie’s family and friends.
Our hearts are with you!
In shock to see this – she was the best of young ladies – daughter-sister-mother-friend our hearts go out to her family – all of you have always been family and we just cannot imagine life without Connie and her happy smile.
So sorry to hear of Connie’s passing. She was such a delight to visit with and she brought joy to all those around her.
Every time I saw Connie, even if it was years between the last time, I felt like I’d just seen her the last week and we were just finishing a conversation we’d paused. I don’t think I know anyone else who could make people around her happy just by being around her. It’s not fair that she’s gone, but I’m glad she isn’t suffering any more. Rest in Peace, Connie. Say Hi to Mom, and Bob, and Winnie.
Saying we’re deeply saddened is an understatement . Connie was a bright light in this world! We will miss her terribly. We will celebrate her genuine kindness and good humor. Our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and to the Magnusson family.
Connie was an amazing person, we are so grateful to have known and loved her back. She was a giver- she loved her people well and had so many people, including animals, that felt cared about by her. My heart goes out to you Mike, Luke, Jake, and Lyndsay. Hard to imagine this world without her illuminating presence. She was the best neighbor/friend imaginable for us and it was an absolute privilege to be near her.
I knew and loved Connie through Magnusson’s. Her kindness and compassion was felt at every visit and every phone call. You have my deepest sympathy.
Hard to describe how Connie made you feel, every time you’d run into her. From making you laugh so hard at the vet, to seeing the two fun sisters, Connie and Terry bopping around downtown River Falls. Just to know her, was to love her. Our hearts go out to her family and all those that knew her. Her presence on earth will be missed.
So sad. Connie was the brightest star amongst bright stars. I will miss her. Her laughter, her sense of humor, her smile. She always told me “have a safe trip home” and then we’d laugh because me and my kitties live right across the road. She always laughed about the cat stroller. Will miss you, girl.
I only knew Connie from taking my pets to the vet, but she was always so happy, funny, and personable. She asked questioned and made comments that made you feel she knew you personally and cared about you, your family and your pets. My sincerest sympathy to her family and friends.
Connie was one of the most kind, friendly, giving, genuine people I have ever known. She brought light to the world and will be greatly missed for a long time.
It was always a real treat to see Connie at the vet office or bump into her at Target. She always had the ability to make you smile and you never left the conversation with her without feeling happier than before. Just a bright light and she will be missed. I am sorry for your loss Mike, Luke, and Jake.
Connie was such a a treasure. Mike and I knew her from Magnusson vet clinic. She was always so kind and generous. She made you feel special with her greetings and was so incredibly kind. She will be missed. Sending prayers to her family.
Connie was truly one of the best! Her kind heart, her infectious smile, and her ability to give love when you didn’t know you needed it. She as there for us when we recently lost our 17 year old Cairn Terrier…she held her in hers arms as if she were her own. We will all miss Connie for so much…but I will miss her empathy the most. Life needs more people like Connie.
Condolences to her family and dear friends.
Mike and family; So sorry to hear of Connie’s passing. What a beautiful soul. She will be missed so much. She showed the people she came in contact with the meaning of unconditional love.
I will miss Connie forever as will so many. What a human being! I did make a donation in memory of her to an organization that is important to me. Rest in Peace Connie. My thoughts are with her family, especially her two granddaughters.
My heart aches for Connie’s loved ones! Although we’ve never met, your wife/mom/daughter/sibling/grandmother was a shining light to so many! Connie met me at the vet door to offer me a hug this summer after losing my brother unexpectedly. She always met folks with a warm smile. Sending hugs to all of you, Jen Gervais, Jon Bouma, and Ranger
Connie made me always feel like we had known each other for years even though we only met once a year at Magnusson’s. I really looked forward to see her when I had an appointment. She was a wonderful, kind and compassionate person. It was great to have known for the time I did.
My condolences to you and your family. Connie was the absolute best. Like so many others, I met her at Magnusson. She made me feel so warm and welcome, and actually took an interest in my life. Every time I saw her (which was pretty often for 13 years) she remembered what was happening in my life and made sure to ask me about it. I would load my dog into the car on Fridays when I knew she was working just because my dog loved seeing her. When the time finally came to put my dog down, Connie was the one that answered the phone. She immediately started crying when I told her the reason for the visit. She also called me a few times after to check in on me. She was the kindest, warmest, person. I am so sorry to hear this news. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
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