Constance Irene Petersen (nee Rezek)

Connie Petersen passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a short stay at the Hospice House in Rapid City. Her family and friends will remember her always as a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, niece, and friend. Connie was born to Ray and Maxine Rezek on August 30, 1950, in Burke SD. After her younger sister Cathy was born, the family moved to Spearfish SD, when Connie was about five years old. Connie graduated from Spearfish High School in 1968. She then attended SDSU, graduating with a degree in elementary education in 1972.

She went on to become a respected kindergarten teacher in Moorcroft WY from 1972 to 1977. It was there that she met and married fellow teacher Dennis Petersen in 1973. They both continued to teach at Moorcroft until moving to Rapid City SD in 1977, where Dennis continued to teach in the Rapid City School District. The couple welcomed a daughter, Jennifer, in 1978 and Connie became a devoted stay-at-home mother. She focused on her love for taking care of her family and home and dedicated her life to them. Connie also enjoyed gardening, raising her flowers and vegetables. Her favorite hobby was collecting Coca Cola and sheep figurines of all kinds. She had a deep appreciation for music and loved singing and musicals. She dearly loved her grandchildren and spending time with them. She found great joy in her love for her grand-pets, especially Gus and Lola, calling them her “therapy dogs”. She loved animals of all kinds and had a strong belief in being kind to everyone. She was noted for being easy to talk, having a fun personality, and a good sense of humor.

Grateful for being a part of her life are her husband Dennis Petersen, daughter Jennifer Johnson & son-in-law Christopher Johnson, grandchildren Olivia and Madison Johnson, all of Rapid City, sister Cathy Rezek Hoscheid of Spearfish, and relatives and friends. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Maxine Rezek of Spearfish SD.

Connie will remain in our hearts with everlasting love and appreciation. Rest in Peace, dear one. We love you.

As a memorial to Connie, please donate to your local Animal Shelters, ASPCA, Humane Society, or Animal Rescues.

A procession will leave Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Friday, May 1, at 10:15 a.m.  Graveside services will be held at Black Hills National Cemetery at 11:00 a.m.  A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.