Constance "Connie" J Thern

Constance Joy Thern (Connie) died peacefully on December 21, 2021, at the age of 87, surrounded by her children. Connie was born Constance Joy Mahan, in Chicago, IL, December 18, 1934, the daughter of Hazel E. Spink. Hazel was head nurse at the Morningside Sanitorium in Madison, WI, which specialized in the treatment of tuberculosis patients. Connie’s life flourished in Madison, with her involvement in music and theatre during high school. She was the lead actress in musical classics including “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” Connie graduated from high school in 1952, continuing her education in music at UW- Madison. In 1953, she met Richard (Dick) Thern at the University Book Store. They married in 1954 and were together for 55 years until his passing in 2009. Dick was an architect and structural engineer. Together, they formed a design firm in Oshkosh – Thern Associates, Inc., with Connie as the office manager and interior designer. Her eye for color coordination made her an integral member of the team. She completed interior design coordination for numerous schools, churches, and municipal buildings throughout Wisconsin and in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Dick and Connie moved their business to Waupaca, WI and built their dream home on beautiful Long Lake in Waushara County in 1975. In their leisure time, they enjoyed boating and snowmobiling and were active members in the Long Lake sailing club and Waupaca Country Club. In 1990, after decades of hard work, Connie and Dick retired to Naples, FL. Connie loved Naples where she volunteered at the Lely Elementary School and was an active member of the Mayflower Congregational Church. In 2016, she decided to return to Oshkosh to be closer to family. Connie lived at the Evergreen Retirement Community - Courtyard Apartments, where she participated in the Evergreen choir, “The Lemonettes” and “What’s up with Edie?” Connie, often referred to as “Little Mom,” will always be remembered for her kind heart and great sense of humor. She possessed a disarming ability to laugh at herself. Preceding Connie in death is her son, Gary Thern, mother, Hazel Spink, husband Richard Thern, and in-laws Phillips and Luella Thern. Connie is survived by her children: Randall Thern, Brian Thern, Tracy Landerman (Bernie Landerman) and Kimberly Burns (Brian Burns), and her seven grandchildren: Natasha Thern (Ishaq Lachin), Ryan Thern (Kennedy Thern), Solia Thern, Marina Thern, Sydney Burns, David Burns, and Katelyn Landerman. The family wishes to express gratitude to the staff at Eden Meadows for their tender care of Connie during her last days. A private family graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh will be held at a future date. “If life was a song, Connie could sing it.”

Constance "Connie" J Thern

December 18, 1934 - December 21, 2021

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