Connie Lou Johnson

Connie Lou Johnson, age 73, of Yankton, passed away peacefully with her children at her side, Friday, November 7, 2025, at the Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton from 5:00-6:30 pm with a time of memory sharing at 6:30 pm. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home of Yankton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Connie was born on September 29, 1952 in Meckling, S.D. to Jack and Thelma (Westeen) Wolhoy.

Connie worked at Buhl’s Cleaners in Yankton for 18 years while she lived in Yankton. This is where she became lifelong friends with Vicki Conken and Angie Kirschenman. After joining the bowling league Connie and Phyllis Thornton also became lifelong friends. Connie was a lifetime member of the ladies VFW Auxiliary in Yankton, S.D. She truly enjoyed Riverboat Days where she proudly carried the American Flag. Connie enjoyed spending her afternoons at O'Malley's and especially Slingo on Tuesday evenings. She was blessed to make some close friends at O'Malley's, Shane and Jessica Nakanura and Scotty Dittmer.

After meeting Dennis (Denny) Ekeren they moved to Lead, S.D. where they resided for 15 years. Connie worked for the Deadwood Gulch in Lead for the timeframe. After retirement for Connie and health issues with Dennis they moved back to Yankton in 2018.

Connie is survived by her children Michelle (Beau) Paulson Yankton, Donna (Larry) Lee, Volin, Tammy (Greg Michel) Yankton, Lowell (Jr) Melisa Janssen Yankton and also Denny’s children Jeff (Tanya) Ekeren, Yankton and Lindy (John) Nelson, Yankton.

Grandchildren Brandon, Austin, Zachary, Katie, Brennan, Dakota, Johie, Tyler, Marcus, Shelbi, Brady, Robert, Jaden, Kaylee, Harley, Caden and Braden along with 17 great grandchildren, one sister, Carolyn and several nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her longtime partner Dennis (Denny) Ekeren who passed away April 23, 2019, her parents Jack and Thelma Wolhoy, siblings Ricky, Gary, Jackie and Sister Margene.