A memorial service for Connie Dahlstet will be held on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, Nebraska with Rev. Dr. W. Kirwin Stewart Jr. officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege, Nebraska.
Born Constance Jane on June 15, 1939 to Clara Evelyn (Dunlavy) & Ola C. (O.C.) Palmer of Holdrege, NE. Just two years old when O.C. died, Connie was legally adopted by Peter Linquist after he and Evelyn married in 1947.
Connie was an enthusiastic student of the Piano and academics, graduating from Holdrege High School in 1957. In 1958 she eloped with her high school sweetheart, John Dahlstet of Holdrege who had joined the Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, CA. They were married in Ensenada, Mexico on January 11. Their first child Katherine Jane Dahlstet was born in May 1959. On John’s discharge from the Corps in 1960, both enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado and both completed their Bachelor degrees in 1963. Their second daughter, Kristina Marie Dahlstet was born in November 1964. In January 1965 they moved to Utah, where they stayed.
In September 1965, their third daughter Elizabeth Ann Dahlstet was born. Connie was an involved parent and strong supporter of all of her daughters’ school efforts. Connie’s desire to give further to her community interests prompted joining AAUW (American Association of University Women) as well as the Women’s State Legislative Council of Utah and the Utah Democratic Party. In the early 1970’s Connie returned to teaching as a Private Music instructor of Piano from her home, which continued for many years.
A passionate consumer of new places and cultures, Connie chose to change to a career in Travel in the mid 1980’s, eventually purchasing the agency she worked for. Connie and John traveled all over Europe, the Middle East plus Thailand, China, Pakistan and more. She made friends and cultivated respect for her knowledge everywhere she went.
Connie suffered her first bout of breast cancer in 2007, which was fully resolved. A second, completely separate and more aggressive breast cancer was found in 2017, but in spite of the mastectomy and radiation, it metastasized to the bones. She worked hard to have a normal life for several years while stubbornly fighting Metastatic Breast Cancer. Connie died at home in Fruit Heights, Utah due to MBC and related health complications on March 4, 2024.
Connie leaves behind John, her husband of 66 years, and their three daughters Katherine Dahlstet of Fruit Heights, UT; Kris Dahlstet-Carr of Bisbee, AZ and Beth Dahlstet Kruper of Woodbridge, VA as well as five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Connie. Mom. Grandma. She will be missed and her memory cherished by all.
In lieu of flowers and cards, the family strongly urges donations to a food bank of your choice.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.