Connie Rae Smith, 75, of Crookston, MN, passed away Friday evening, December 1, 2023, in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. She had been in failing health for several months.
Connie was born on November 29, 1948, in Crookston, MN, one of 8 children of the union of Walter and Delores (Gullekson) Smith. The family lived at Fertile, MN during her childhood years and Connie attended Fertile Elementary School through the 6th grade. After a move to Moorhead, MN she went to South Junior High through the 9th grade. In 1963 the Smith family came to Crookston where she completed her education at Central High School, graduating as a member of the Class of 1966. Next for Connie was a return to Moorhead to attend Moorhead State College. While majoring in Education, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1970. Connie began her 20-year teaching career in Ellendale, MN, the Albert Lea, MN School District. In Ellendale she became a very popular and much-loved teacher to her students in every grade, K through 12. In 1990, feeling the desire to change career directions, Connie moved back to Crookston to attend the University of Minnesota-Crookston where she completed work for an Associate Degree in Horticulture in 1992. During this time she met Curt Greenwood who became her life partner. In 1992 Connie and Curt moved to Boone, IA where she was employed at the Golden Circle Growers Garden Center. After a few years the couple relocated to Hatton, ND and she worked in the dietary department of Hatton Prairie Village. Curt passed away in October of 2012, eight months before the date that he and Connie were to be married. Soon after she returned to Crookston.
Connie was very athletic and a runner throughout much of her life. For years she was often accompanied on her runs by her two Chocolate Labs, Rascal and Chewy. Connie was especially proud of running and finishing the grueling 26.2 mile Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. Additionally, she enjoyed playing softball, camping, traveling, reading, talking on the phone, and especially golfing. She spent years playing rounds with her good friends at the Minakwa Country Club in Crookston and participating in area golf tournaments.
Connie is survived by 3 siblings: Janie Ricord of Redwood Falls, MN, Tracy Smith of Crookston, MN, and Scott Smith (Patrick Prochaska) of Minneapolis, MN. In addition to Curt Greenwood, her partner for 23 years, Connie was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Delores; 2 brothers, Kelly Smith and Monty Smith; and 2 sisters, Cindy Lafleur and Sherri Helgaas. Blessed be the memory of Connie Rae Smith.
A Memorial Service celebrating Connie’s life will be held next Spring/Summer and notice will be made public at that time. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements and messages of condolence may be offered to the family at www.stenshoelhouske.com.
