Connie Lou Waldner

Connie Lou Waldner, 83, passed away peacefully in Emporia, Kansas, on February 23, 2026.

Connie was born on February 27, 1942, in Elk Point, South Dakota, to Raymond and Margaret (Olson) Rosenbaum. She graduated from Elk Point High School in 1960. That same year, on June 6, she married the love of her life, David D. Waldner. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and devotion, welcoming four children: Robbin, Kathleen, David, and Bruce.

Connie was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a gentle spirit and a caring heart, always placing her family first. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, and she found her greatest joy in gathering her loved ones together, and feeding them, especially at Christmas time. Connie had an in-home day care where she took care of many of the community’s children over the years and loved them as though they were her own. She went on to work in retail and retired from Walmart where she served proudly and enthusiastically. Even when she had to used a shopping cart to help her walk in the store, she outperformed employees half her age. Connie leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and cherished memories that will live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her daughters, Robbin (Terry) Cole of Manhattan and Kathleen Waldner of Osage City; her sons, David Scott Waldner of Emporia and Bruce (Joanne) Waldner of Denard, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; her sisters, Janice Olson of South Dakota and Marlene Evans of Iowa; and her brother, Craig Rosenbaum of South Dakota.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, David; her parents; and two sisters.

A visitation with family will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City, Kansas, followed immediately by a celebration of life at 11:00 a.m. and burial at Osage City Cemetery.