Connie Derendinger

MONTICELLO - Connie Sue Derendinger, age 51, of Monticello passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday evening, Dec. 30, 2020, as a result of a car accident. Connie was born Oct. 1, 1969, at St. Clare Hospital, in Monroe, Wis., the fifth of seven children to Donald H. and Mabel C. (Pederson) Derendinger (Marty). Connie attended elementary school at the districts of Pecatonica in Blanchardville/Hollandale and Wisconsin Heights in Black Earth. She attended junior high and high school in Monroe, graduating with the MHS Class of 1988. Connie lived in Blanchardville, Cross Plains, Monroe and Madison, ultimately planting her roots in Monticello, where she proudly purchased her own home in 2009. From her early teens when she got her first job de-tasseling field corn, Connie was a hard, conscientious worker. Her longest tenure was with CUNA Mutual Group, Madison, where she worked as an Implementation and Servicing Specialist in Customer Operations. She had just celebrated her 30-year service anniversary on Dec. 17, 2020. She also held a secondary job with Duluth Trading Company, Belleville. Her past employers include Miniature Precision Components, Fish Building Supply, Menards, Prange Way, State of Wisconsin, Shopko, and AdTec Temp Service/WPS. Connie led an enthusiastic life, with a great smile and laugh, a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes and always a naughty joke coming from her mouth. Her personality was infectious, and everyone was uplifted by her mischievous outlook on life. She was quite adept at witty comebacks and movie one-liners. She called most people by the nicknames she gave them and loved to use a funny, high-pitched voice for emphasis with those closest to her. Connie's love and knowledge of cars was impressive, particularly Monte Carlos and cool rims. She loved big hair and big-hair music, although her own hairstyle became shorter and sassier the older she got. Connie enjoyed cooking for others and always made enough for an army. You didn’t go home without several bowls of tasty leftovers. Scary movies were her favorites; she found them humorous. She loved to travel, shop, go to Burn Boot Camp and adored holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. Above all else, Connie cherished her family, friends and pets. Her greatest joy in life came from shared laughter and giving to others, and she continues to give to many through organ and tissue donation. Connie is survived by her six siblings, Louise (Dick) Olson, Donna (Ron) Brunner, Diana (David) Chaffee, Rob (Anna) Derendinger, Tammy (Andy) Barth, and Heidi (Steve Barfknecht) Derendinger; one niece, Michelle (Gar) Holcomb; three nephews, Michael (Heather) Brunner, “Lucky” Rob Jr. (Stephanie) and Tony (Yunhi) Derendinger; two grandnieces; six grandnephews; countless friends including her special friend, Heath Kluck and his sons, Kaden and Keegan; and her cat, Salem, and dog, Tippy. Connie was preceded in death by her parents; and a grandnephew. A private memorial service will be held with Pastor Jeff Lovell of Ezra Church in Stoughton presiding. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit Connie’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. Connie predesignated Highland Cemetery, Monticello, as her final resting place. A graveside service and Connie-styled Celebration of Life are being planned for a later date. Connie had a great love for animals. Her family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory be made to Green County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park St. (608) 835-3515