Connie K. Hankemeier, 72, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, April 8, 2025, at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Connie Kay Hankemeier was born on June 6, 1952 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Robert Cecil and Velma A. (Yaddof) Hankemeier.  She was a proud graduate of Andrew Community High School, class of 1970. She furthered her education at Sawyer College in Davenport, where she received business training that would serve her well throughout her career. Connie dedicated over 49 years of service to the Jackson County Public Hospital in Maquoketa, where she worked in various capacities. Starting in the dietary department, she worked her way up to the business side of operations, retiring in May of 2021.

Connie’s interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. In her younger days, she enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. She had a passion for baking and watching soap operas and westerns on television. Connie’s love for photography led her to capture countless memories with her camera, and she found joy in sharing those moments with others.  She also enjoyed listening to KMAQ radio in Maquoketa and was known for often giving out lottery tickets. An avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, Connie never missed a chance to cheer on her team.  She also had a special place in her heart for animals and birds, appreciating the simple beauty of nature. Her love for jewelry was matched only by her love for sending Christmas cards, complete with pictures and recipes, to keep in touch with those she cared about. She enjoyed shopping and going to garage sales with her sisters, andrelished going out to eat with friends and valued the time spent with family at gatherings and reunions, where her presence was a source of happiness and comfort.

Those left to honor her memory include siblings, Karen (Mark) Gombert of Maquoketa, IA, Carol (Jim) Reafsnider of Goose Lake, IA and Rodney Hankemeier of Maquoketa, IA; niece and nephews, Matthew Gombert, Jessa (Justin) McGrath and Travis Reafsnider; great-niece, Maren McGrath; and numerous cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9:30 A.M. to 11:15 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will be at the Andrew, Iowa Cemetery.

The family would like to especially thank the Doctors and Nurses on 2nd Floor at Mercy in Dubuque, the staff at Jackson Ridge Healthcare Center, and the staff at the Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made the Jackson County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.