In Loving Memory

Connie Ellen Offner (Lilleoien), age 77 of Valley City, ND passed away peacefully in her Minot, ND home on May 16, 2025. Born March 30, 1948, in McVille, ND, Connie was the daughter of Kenneth and Helen Lilleoien. She graduated from McVille High School and later went on to attend Valley City State University where she met Fred Offner. On October 5, 1968, Connie and Fred got married in McVille, ND. Together they had three children – Randy, Michelle, and Brian.

Connie worked at the Red Owl early on and later at Pamida (Shopko) until her retirement in 2015. In addition to working in Valley City, she also helped Fred on the farm, whether that be combining, hauling trucks, or running for parts! Once retired, Connie and Fred found themselves working in their flower beds, planting beautiful trees, setting up hummingbird feeders in just the right place, or just simply enjoying the outdoors.

Together they loved spending time with their family, and many times attended the grandkids’ sporting events, proms, graduations, and weddings. She was always so proud of her grandkids, no matter what they were doing. They brought great joy into her world.

Fred passed in April of 2017. Not long after, Connie’s health began to deteriorate. She spent her summers and falls on the farm in Valley City with Brian and his family and then traveled north to Minot to spend her winters and springs with Michelle and her family. She loved puzzles, crazy card games (which many times she won), playing Candy Crush on her phone, and watching marathons of Deal or No Deal! She even got the Chaplain addicted!

Although she is sorely missed, there is comfort knowing that she is at rest and no longer suffering from COPD, and that she’s in the best company. Her issue now will be keeping the peace among all the Offner / Lilleoien fishermen and women up above!

Connie is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Brian) Sys, son, Brian (Alison) Offner; grandchildren Alison (Collin) Wible, Hunter Sys, Reese (Jayson) Kurtz, Jacob Offner, Jordan Offner; great-grandson Baker Wible; and brother Arlan Lilleoien.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Randy, and brother Keven along with her mother and father in-law and many beloved brother and sisters-in-law.

Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all of you who have been so kind and thoughtful at this most difficult time. A special thank you to the Red River Valley Hospice – Pink Team! Without your kind and loving support, our mom wouldn’t have been able to write the end of her story the way she chose. There are no words to express our appreciation for your care.

May God bless the memory of Connie.

The funeral service for Connie will be 10:30 am Thursday, May 22, at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City. Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Memory Gardens, Valley City.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City.