Constance Louise Waage

Connie Waage, age 83, of Vermillion, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at her home on June 20, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Connie was born on July 8, 1941, to William and Mable (Mews) Vogt. She was the third of five children. On July 25, 1959, she married the love of her life, Tyrone “Ty” Waage. Together, they shared 43 wonderful years of marriage and raised five children.

Connie played a key role in the family business, managing the bookkeeping for Ty’s Building Service from its beginning in 1964. Over the years, she also worked at JCPenney, Home Trust Bank, Davis Pharmacy, and spent 19 years at the USD Bookstore.

In 1971, Connie became the first president of the Eagles Ladies Auxiliary in Vermillion—a role she took great pride in. She enjoyed bowling with friends and participated in many state tournaments, which led to some memorable adventures. Connie and Ty also loved to travel, taking trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, and visiting family from coast to coast.

After Ty passed away Connie met Dale. Connie and Dale also traveled the countryside visiting family, friends and national parks. They loved to play Skip-Bo and stayed up till all hours of the night playing, neither one wanted to lose.

Family was the center of Connie’s world. She never missed an opportunity to support her children and grandchildren at sporting events. Her loud cheers of encouragement will be fondly remembered. She also enjoyed fishing, camping, and playing cards with friends and loved ones.

Connie is survived by her children: Bruce (Pam – Friend) of Springfield, SD; Brian and Brad (Patty), both of Vermillion, SD; Barb (Rod) Beeson of Mission Hill, SD; and Bonita (Bill) Manger of Vermillion, SD. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren: Thomas, Jessica, Raymond, Jennifer, Dustin, Justine, Donica, Jordan, Jaron, Joseph, Cassie, Jacob, Wyatt, and Tori; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her very special friend Dale; sister Kathy (David) Willard; sisters-in-law Marian Vogt and Jean (Gerald) Ordal; brothers-in-law Dan Nielsen and Don Buehner; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ty; her brother Lyle; sisters Ardis and Shirley; sisters-in-law Joan and Judy; daughter-in-law Charley; niece Tara; and nephew James.

Connie’s warmth, laughter, and unwavering support for her family and friends will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed to The Pink Ladies of Vermillion, Fraternal Order of Eagles, or Trinity Lutheran Church.