Connie Ray (Steichen) Lehnertz

Constance Ray "Connie" (Steichen) Lehnertz, 70, long-time resident of Livingston, MT, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2015, surrounded by the love of her family following a short illness. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory and a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 11, at 2pm at St. Marys Catholic Church in Livingston. Connies nephew, Father Benjamin Lehnertz, will officiate. A Celebration of Connies life will follow at 5pm at the Shane Center in Livingston (the corner of South D and East Lewis Streets). A Graveside committal and burial service will take place on Thursday, November 12, Noon, at the Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery in Laurel, MT. Connie was born in Mitchell, South Dakota on December 16, 1944. She graduated from the Notre Dame Academy in Mitchell and continued on to graduate from St. Johns School of Nursing in Huron, South Dakota in 1965. Connie was married to Joseph Patrick Lehnertz on August 14, 1965, in White Lake, South Dakota. They were married for 49 years when he preceded her in death, in November of 2014. Connies calling was nursing and she worked in a variety of nursing positions for 49 years. It was Connies honor and privilege to give back to others while serving the community through her distinguished career. Her motto was, "We exist temporarily for what we take, but we live forever through what we gave." Connie was an avid golfer, creative quilter, enjoyed hunting and fishing, chasing pheasants on her farm in South Dakota, and she loved to travel. During her lifetime, she enjoyed visits to England, Wales, Ireland, Korea, Germany, Austria, Italy and France. Prior to her passing, Connie said, "My next journey is far away". Connie is survived by her daughter, Christine Treat, and her husband Sam of Denver, CO and their daughter: Delaynie Treat; Daughter, Shannon Newell and her husband Larry of Billings, Shannons children: Taylor and Tanner Beld and Larrys children and their families. Siblings, Carol Fremstad of Fulda, MN; John Steichen and his wife Diane of White Lake, SD, Mary Lehnertz and her husband Don of Redmond, OR and Tom Steichen and his wife Karla of White Lake, SD. Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, many other relatives and many, many friends. Connie is preceded in death by her Parents, Ray and Daphene Steichen, Husband Joe Lehnertz, and Grandson, Sammy Treat. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Stafford Animal Shelter, 3 Business Park Way; Livingston, MT 59047. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.