Constance "Connie" Elaine Torvinen

Constance "Connie" Elaine Torvinen, 63, of Menahga, MN passed into her eternal rest on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at her home. Connie was born in Park Rapids, MN on June 20, 1952 to Orman & Elaine (Gustafson) Torvinen, and was later joined by seven siblings. She grew up in Menahga, spent some time in Grand Rapids, MN and graduated from Menahga High School in 1970. On Halloween Day of that same year she married Larry Karjala in Menahga. Three daughters were born into this union. The family spent 15 years in the Twin Cities, returning to Menahga in the late 1980's. In 2012, she married Tucker Wynn in Pine River, MN. Connie returned to Menahga in 2014. Throughout her life, Connie was the consummate caregiver. Connie was often asked to provide care-giving to family and friends in time of need. She would pack her bag and move in until her work was completed. Her gift of serving others also reflected in the activities she chose to participate in: teaching Sunday School, leading Girl Scouts and Bible Study, gardening, sewing, baking and cooking for and lending her ear and heart to any one who was in need. She was gifted at bringing joy to others. Connie's contagious giggle. Her ever-present smile. These special character traits were Connie's gift to others. More than anything else, Connie enjoyed her time spent in the company of family and friends. Connie is survived by two daughters: LaRee Karjala of Menahga, MN and Betsy (Joe) Meyer of Menahga, MN, three grandchildren: Allison Meyer of Honolulu, HI, Nicholas Meyer of Menahga, MN and Isabel Meyer of Menahga, MN, one brother: Terry (Lola) Torvinen of Rice, MN, five sisters: Anne (Dave) Schultz of Menahga, MN, Shirley Torvinen of Menahga, MN, Mary (Tim) Haapala of Menahga, MN, Lori (Jeff) Toppari of Fergus Falls, MN and Donna (Russell) Hall of Fergus Falls, one God-Child, Leah Joy Mangin of Fargo, ND and many nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her parents, brother Phillip and daughter Marci. A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, June 6, 2016 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga at 11 am, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Lunch will be provided by the Women of FELC. A private inurnment will be held at Jim Cook Cemetery.