"Connie loved our family and was a wonderful wife to Dad. We got so attached and loved getting together. It was so fun to see the house come together with her touches. We miss you so much Connie, but will see you again."
In loving memory of
Connie (Knorr) Granstra
January 1, 1942 - February 11, 2010
Connie Kay (Brunk) Knorr Granstra was born on January 1, 1942, to Paul and Ruth (Brower) Brunk at her home in Sioux County, Boyden, Iowa. She was baptized in 1942 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Sheldon, Iowa and later confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulda, Minnesota. She received her education from Fulda Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 1960.
On March 10, 1961, Connie was united in marriage to Gustave "Gus" Knorr, Jr. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fulda. This marriage was blessed with three children, Todd, Debbie, and Dawn. While married to Gus they lived in Fulda, Lamberton, and moved to Windom in the 1970's. Gus passed away on May 9, 2002.
On April 4, 2009, Connie was united in marriage to Johnny Granstra at the Historical Society in Windom, Minnesota. Connie and Johnny made their home in Windom and this past winter traveled to Arizona. At the end of January 2010, Connie was diagnosed with cancer and passed away Thursday morning, February 11, 2010 at the Windom Area Hospital at the age of 68.
Connie was a member of the Evangelical Free Church in Windom where she was involved in the Prime Timers 55+ Church Group and Bible Study. She served on the Windom City Council and she was given the Windom Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year Award. Connie will be remembered for being a proud member of the Windom community where she was involved with a variety of civic organizations. Connie was also a strong advocate for the elderly. She enjoyed shopping, gardening, traveling, reading, listening to Christian music, and watching her grandchildren participate in their many activities.
Connie is survived by her husband, Johnny Granstra of Windom; three children, Todd Knorr and his wife, Tonya, of Lamberton; Debbie Jans and her husband, Kurt, of Sherburn; Dawn Knorr of Edina; four grandchildren, Adam Knorr and Erin Knorr, both of Lamberton; Ashley Jans of Mankato; and Zachary Jans and friend, Tiffany Freetly of Marshall; father, Paul Brunk and friend, Darlene Gehl of Fulda; four step-children, Julie Janssen and her husband, Merlyn, of Bemidji; Larry Granstra and his wife, Brenda, of Heron Lake; Darla Walburg and her husband, Terry, of Hartley, IA; and Jay Granstra and friend, Tonya Noble and daughter, Shania Noble, of Spirit Lake, IA; twelve step-grandchildren; Arlyn Janssen and his wife, Joanne, of Iowa City, IA; Aaron Janssen and his wife, Marit, of Spring Valley; Joel Janssen and his wife, Kristin, of Brewster; James Granstra of Macomb, IL; Katey Granstra of Heron Lake; Tacey Arens and her husband, Paul, of Fort Dodge, IA; Lynae Otten and her husband, Nathan, of Springdale, AR; Jonathan Walburg of Winona; Nathan Walburg of Hartley, IA; Shanna Granstra of Waco, TX; Kenny Granstra of Sibley, IA; Marissa Granstra of Windom; one step-great-grandchild, Kelyn Day; one brother, Richard Brunk and his wife, Kathi, of Dundee; two sisters, Linda Nelson and her husband, Gaylord, of Bradenton, FL and Betty Hugunin and her husband, Mike, of Dexter, IA; dedicated caregiver and dear friend, Andrea Nerhus of Windom; the Knorr family and many other relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her mother, Ruth Brunk and husband, Gus Knorr.
Blessed be the memory of Connie (Knorr) Granstra.
Tributes
"R.I.P. Connie!!! You will be missed.."
"I worked with Connie for 20 years. I will always remember her smile and laugh and the many fun times we had with our co-workers. My sympathy and prayers go out to Connie's family at this difficult time. "