Constance “Connie” Artz

Minot

Constance “Connie” Artz, 76, died Friday, February 2, 2024 in an assisted living facility in Minot, ND from a brief battle with cancer. Connie was born in Minot, ND on October 4, 1947 to Norman and Elizabeth “Bessie” (Jordre) Simmons. She arrived minutes before her twin sister, Bonnie; they joined their big brother, Kenny, and were showered with love and attention from aunts, uncles, and cousins from that point on.

Connie lived her entire life in Glenburn, ND, until April 2023 when she moved to Edgewood Vista in Minot, ND. She graduated with the GHS Class of 1965 and never missed a class or all school reunion. Connie married Colin Artz on June 8, 1968, in Glenburn, ND. Together they made their home in Glenburn where they raised four children: Cassie, Cory, Chad, and Cody. Connie was a homemaker where she made three meals a day and provided snacks in between. She was a wonderful cook and baker; many miss her homemade doughnuts, buns, and pies. She canned fruits and vegetables each fall after harvesting the garden.

Family trips to Michigan to see Bonnie’s family were strategically planned by Colin; he would find a load that needed to be delivered or picked up and off the clan would go in his truck. Connie and Bonnie’s connection was never questioned, and we all knew whose call waiting beep trumped any of us when talking to Connie on the phone! Twin life enabled each of them a lifelong connection that few know or could appreciate; Bonnie was able to travel to North Dakota to say her goodbyes in person which was a priceless moment.

Connie’s favorite pastimes included BINGO and casino runs; she faithfully attended Friday BINGO at the Grain hopper and enjoyed her last trip to 4 Bears with Cassie and friend, Sandy Koetter, in June. She missed her frequent casino trips with Colin, where one would come out ahead and one would not, but both were entertained and couldn’t wait for the next trip.

Connie is survived by daughter, Cassie (Jason Loard) of Minot, sons, Cory (Lori) of Dickinson, and Chad and Cody, both of Minot; grandchildren Victoria Craig, Joshua Craig, Jack Loard, Niklas Artz, Thea Loard, and Shawn Artz; brother, Kenny (Ellen) Simmons of Glenburn and sister, Bonnie (David) Bacon of Prudenville, MI; brothers in-law, Ronnie (Diana) Findlay, Gary Findlay, Jerry (Kathy) Findlay; sisters in-law, Jane Findlay and Donna Findlay. Her cat, Mia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother, Hazel Simmons; husband, Colin (who died May 1, 2017); brother in-law, Dennis Findlay; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Connie’s family wishes to extend sincere thanks to the entire staff at Edgewood Vista of Minot for the tremendous care and concern given to her during her time living there.

Visitation: Friday, February 9, 2024 from 5-7 at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Funeral Service: Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 1:00 pm in Thompson-Larson Funeral Home Chapel, Minot. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed by going to Connie’s webpage at www.thompsonlarson.com

Burial: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot

Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot

Published by The Minot Daily News, February 7, 2024.