Connie Loftus

Connie L. Loftus, 72, passed away peacefully at home on October 7.  She was surrounded in love by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and dear friends. 

Connie was born January 22, 1951 to Emery and Tootie Weinfurtner. She was raised with her brothers Emery and Al in East Omaha.  She met Ray in 1967 at an Omaha skating rink where he was instantly smitten with her.  He perused her, his charm and persistence eventually won her over.  They were married February 24, 1968. 

Together Ray and Connie had 5 children the first born in 1968 and the last in 1978. The young couple faced many challenges and endured many hardships and losses with Ray serving in Vietnam and the loss of their 3rd child, Timmy.  These times created an unbreakable bond between Ray and Connie and built a foundation in their marriage that would weather the test of time. 

Together they worked through life figuring it out as they went.  As a young couple there was much to learn and so much already behind them.  They raised their four children in Neola where many lifelong friends were made.  Connie helped provide for her family where she managed the Underwood Truck Stop for many years. They were the truest example of hard work, honesty and kindness.  Through nightly family dinners, daily life and family adventures, they instilled the value of family, love, and hard work into their children. 

In retirement, Connie set out on a new adventure with Ray and owned and operated two UPS Stores, one in Council Bluffs, and one in LaVista. Here, they had 8 cherished years of working with family and with friends, who would become like family.

After caring for Ray and his passing in 2016, she followed her servant's heart and began volunteering her time.  Connie believed with her whole heart that she was put on this earth to serve God and others. Some of the organizations to benefit from her passion for serving were Catholic charities, American Red Cross donations, Mohm’s Place and serving Thanksgiving meals.  

Connie was a member of the St. Patrick’s perish in Council Bluffs, where she also enjoyed volunteering alongside many special church friends.  She made countless pies, sewed a variety of gifts, served many meals and helped organize the perish rummage sale.  There wasn’t a project or volunteer opportunity she didn’t want to be part of.  

Connie enjoyed spending time with her friend’s Linda, Linda and Deb.  Together they dined in many restaurants, enjoyed live music and shows and had many lively adventures. Connie also enjoyed talking with neighbors, her dog Marley, cat Bella, gardening and studied to receive her Master Gardener's certificate.  She was a dedicated employee at Hy-Vee since 2021, where she made many new friends and stayed in touch with so many others.

Of all things in this life, Connie loved and adored her family most.  She was proud of each and every one of them and loved watching them grow into the people they would become.  She was the picture of kindness and patience.

Connie is survived by her children Kelly (Bob) Mueller, Ray (Emily) Loftus, Michelle (Dan) Thompson, Channy (Shawn) Schroeder. Grandchildren Christopher Loftus, Stephanie Rapier, Aidyn Mueller, Zach Mueller, Tylor Mueller, Brett Mueller, Colton Loftus, Conor Loftus, Adelyn Loftus, Lilly Thompson, Seth Thompson, Josie Schroeder, Katie Schroeder, Brecken Reida, great grandchildren, Tilly Loftus, Emery Loftus, Isabella Mueller and Jameson Mueller, brother Al Weinfurtner, nieces, nephews and so many friends. 

Connie is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ray Loftus, son Timothy Loftus, parents Emery and Tootie Weinfurtner, sister Gail Marie, brother Emery and granddaughter Brittany Mueller.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.

Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Interment is in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Midlands Humane Society or EveryStep Hospice.