Risner, Connie Diane

Connie Diane Risner, 60, of Belle Plaine, died peacefully on Sunday, July 21, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at Hrabak Funeral Home in Belle Plaine. A family graveside service will be held Thursday at Keystone Cemetery, Keystone, Iowa.

Survivors include her husband, Aubrey; two children, Paul (Dawn) Risner of Williamsburg and Deanne (Chad) Hartke of Cedar Rapids; two grandsons, Corey Risner and Harrison Hartke; mother, Marion Kasal of Cedar Rapids; sister, Naomi of Cedar Rapids; and brother, Phil (June) Kasal of Des Moines.

She was preceded in death by her father, Walter Kasal; and father-in-law, Henry Risner.

Connie was born Sept. 30, 1952, in Mingo, the daughter of Walter and Marion (Neal) Kasal. She graduated from South Tama High School. She was united in marriage on Sept. 4, 1970, in Belle Plaine.

Connie adored her grandsons, Corey and Harrison. She always had cuddles for her boys and time to play their favorite games. Other time you could find Connie reading or doing Sudoku puzzles. She also had a love for board games. Her favorite over the last few years was Settlers of Catan. She had a passion for cooking and baking She enjoyed decorating sugar cookies and cakes. Connie had a distinctive laugh that could light a room and put a smile on your face. Her wit, interesting conversation and quirky humor will be remembered and greatly missed.

Connie was a devoted servant of the Lord. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her kind heart and gentle spirit will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, there has been a memorial fund established for her grandsons at Chelsea Savings Bank, 601 13th St., Belle Plaine, IA 52208.

Online guest book can be signed at .

Published in The Gazette July 23, 2013.