Connie Lynn Kinateder

Connie Lynn Kinateder age 72 passed away January 19th at home after being diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Connie is now in a place where life and love never ends, having accepted Christ as her Lord and Saviour.

She was born in Janesville, Wisconsin July 4th, 1952, to Lawrence and Phyllis Francis. Connie spent many years working at the family business (Larry & Phyl’s Ice Cream Shop) She was the friendly face behind the counter and was known for her thick shakes and malts.

After the closing of the family business, Connie went on to work for Van Galder’s and then for the Janesville School District.

After her husband passed away Connie moved to Cedar Crest independent living where she was active in organizing functions for independent residents. The monthly birthday parties, potlucks, and dining out. She even had the malt machine from the ice cream store and would occasionally treat residents and staff to malts and shakes.

Connie is survived by her three children: Bill (Anahi) Long, Barbara (Raffi) Mnatzakanian and Anna (Matthew) Hart. Grandchildren: Alix, Dylan, Anabelle Long, Vartan, Nairi and Levon Mnatzakanian. Siblings: John (Carole) Francis and identical twin sister Bonnie Francis (Bill) Stevens. Connie also leaves behind loving nieces Cathy (John, Jack, & Louie) Hewitt, Julie & Zachary Francis. Lastly, she leaves behind her Cedar Crest “sister” (and partner in crime) Faye Dinger who was with Connie through her journey.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim, sister Linda, brother Rick, and her nephew Christopher Francis.

The family would like to thank her friends who helped her get to appointments, especially Jane Thompson and Trina McDougal.

The family would also like to thank SSM Hospice for the incredible care and comfort they gave Connie for the six days she was in their care.

Nurses Sharon, Charlie & Stephanie gave the most incredible care in this short time and allowing Connie to stay in her apartment was deeply appreciated by the family. Hats off to the Cedar Crest staff who checked in on her with selfless acts of kindness. Thank you RCAC! (Kim, Tina, Meredith, Heather, all of you! Special thanks to Becky, Tammy A. You were all so special to Connie.

Donations in Connie’s name can be made to Janesville’s SSM Hospice or a charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2025, at CEDAR CREST CHAPEL, 1700 South River Road, Janesville. Chaplain Cameron Rebarchek will officiate. Visitation will be at the chapel from 10 to 11 a.m. Feb. 1st. HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY is assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.