Obituary of Connie Kay Harstad

In loving memory of Connie Kay (Blahna) Harstad who peacefully passed away on February 18th, 2024 at the age of 81.  Connie was born to Lance and Blanche Blahna July 28, 1942 in Jamestown, North Dakota.  Connie attended and graduated from Jamestown High School where she met the love of her life Bert Harstad.  Connie and Bert were married February 10th, 1961 and were happily married for 41 years. They were lucky in love. 

Bert moved her all over the Midwest. She had babies and he ran around promoting Union’s.  She was the First Lady for UFCW Local #1116 for over 30 years.  During this beautiful life adventure, they had five children Monty Harstad (Jeanne), Kari Kay Black (Leslie), Lane Harstad (Dee Dee), Ronda Kay Poe (Scott), Jodee Kay High (Drew). 

Settling in Duluth in 1972, they raised their family and became a strong part of Duluth’s West End community.  Connie was the queen of snacks for neighborhood kids of 27th Ave West, her home was the stop for after school snacks daily.  She spent 25 years as a lunch lady at Lincoln Elementary, spending every penny she made buying lunches for kids that forgot lunch money.  She attended every single event her kids participated in and was their number one fan.  She loved her children unconditionally.  

Being a grandmother easily became the highlight of her life.  Her treasures Jessica, David, Tim, Daniel, Derek, Dustin, Jake, Jon, Sam, Kaydee, Tristen, Lauren & Steven were her pride and joy.  

Connie had a special gift of always making you feel special and loved, this was her talent.  She promoted forgiveness and kindness before it was cool. She hosted the best Christmas Eve parties for anyone and everyone to enjoy.  She is most famous for her Caramel Bars. She loved her flower garden in summer and oddly enjoyed obsessively cleaning her home.  She enjoyed her family travel adventures, especially Hawaii, New Orleans and Las Vegas. 

Connie leaves behind her children, sisters, Darlis Reister, Mary (John) Wentzell, Arla “Red” (Paul) Emo, and Jeanie Tanata.  

The Blahna girls are infamous.  She also leaves her in-laws Pete Schlenker and Linda Harstad. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her forever love Bert, in-laws Willy Reister, Kenneth Tanata, Janet Acre, Joyce Schlenker and John Harstad.  She was a special aunt to many nieces and nephews. 

Though Connie may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her kindness, love, and generous spirit. 

A special thank you to Gentiva Hospice for her end-of-life care, and her everyday angels (Mason, Josh & Hilary) at Keystone Bluffs. 

Service for a Celebration of her life will be held Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at 10 a.m. with visitation one hour prior, at the Cremation Society of Duluth, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807.