Obituary - Mauricette H. "Connie" Klabunde

Mauricette H. "Connie" Klabunde, 98, passed away due to natural causes Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at the Northern Montana Care Center.

Funeral services will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with a private family committal service to be held later.

Her family has requested that memorial donations be made in Connie's name to St. Jude Parish or School, PO Box 407, Havre, MT 59501, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Connie's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Connie was born Oct. 25, 1917, in Scobey, Montana, to Maurice and Agnes (Hebert) Constant. She was raised in Scobey, graduating from high school there. She attended Northern Montana College for two years, obtaining an associate degree in nursing. In 1940, Connie married the love of her life, Joseph Klabunde, and the couple was blessed with three children. Joe and Connie worked together for many years, building their business, Klabunde Mobile Homes, and they retired in 1980. Joe passed away in 1982, and Connie kept busy volunteering at the Eagles, serving at their funeral luncheons and weekly dinners. She joined the F.O.E. Auxiliary in 1947 and continued her membership for 68 years.

Connie attended St. Jude Catholic Church, where she volunteered at the Harvest Dinners, the bazaars, and many other events. Many years of her life were spent volunteering. She served coffee to the residents at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd and Northern Montana Hospital, and she was a member of both the Catholic Daughters of America and St. Ignatius Circle for many years.

She enjoyed baking cookies, and loved to share them with her children, grandchildren, and many friends. Her grandchildren even nicknamed her "The Cookie Grandma." She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school and sports events. Connie loved to dance, and attended any fiddling contest she could find. She was a member of the Good Sam's Club, traveling and camping with her friend Marie Hoiseth. Connie and Joe loved to travel, and after he passed away, she continued traveling. Connie traveled to China, where she climbed the Great Wall; and visited several Scandinavian countries, England, France, Mexico and 48 of the 50 United States.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph J. Klabunde; her parents, Maurice and Agnes Constant; her sisters, Val Hansen, Mary Smith, and Elaine Rigelman; and her brother, Benjamin Constant.

She is survived by her children, Ramona (Charles) Tow of Glasgow, Maurice Klabunde of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Catherine (Ken) Bachini of Havre; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.