Constance 'Connie' Rieck

Constance "Connie" Jean Rieck, age 95, of Ellsworth, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Ellsworth Health Services.

Connie was born on November 5, 1930, in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, the daughter of Raymond and Mabel (Scritchfield) Swanson. She was raised on a small farm in Trenton Township and graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1948. On April 8, 1950, she married Donald Rieck, and together they had two children, Dennis and Cheryl.

She worked as a secretary for the Farmers Home Administration (FHA). She also worked for Brashler's Bakery at Corner Red Owl in Red Wing. Don and Connie farmed the family homestead for nearly 40 years where they raised their children.

First and foremost, Connie loved her family. They meant everything to her, and being called "Mom" was the greatest gift she could ever receive. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was active at Svea Lutheran Church, where she served as a Bible and Sunday school teacher, sang in the church choir, and helped at funerals or wherever she was needed.

Connie loved gardening and took special joy in caring for the birds, especially the cardinals, whose songs were a reward for her attention. She enjoyed bus trips to Branson, Missouri, with good friends Bob and Shirley Anderson. They also traveled to local county fairs and the state fair, where the men spent time on Machinery Hill while the women enjoyed the creative exhibits and shopping.

She is survived by her son, Dennis (Tammy) Rieck of Ellsworth; daughter, Cheryl Langer of Ellsworth; 6 granddaughters; and many great grandchildren; sister-in-law Janice Swanson of Almena; along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald; infant daughter Julie Ann; parents; brother Arlyn (Bud) Swanson and son-in-law Bradley Langer.

Funeral services for Connie Rieck will be 11:00AM, Monday, June 1, 2026, at Svea Lutheran Church in Hager City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery with active casket bearers being Jake Kolodzienski, Brandon Thom, Andy Galle, Isaac Galle, Andrew Chollett, Darrell Swanson with honorary casket bearers being Stacey Galle, Danielle Chollett, Jenna Thom, Kristen Kolodzienski, and Jerry Leonard. Memorials are preferred to the discretion of the family. The family invites everyone to stay and enjoy a meal together following the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421