Connie L. Bollig lived a life shaped by faith, love, and an unwavering devotion to her family. She entered into eternal rest on August 5, 2026 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and quiet strength that will continue to guide those who love her.
Connie was born in Russell, Kansas, to Alvin and Bernice (Hertel) Riedel, and spent her childhood on the family farm in Walker. Those early years, surrounded by her brothers and sisters, the rhythms of farm life, and the closeness of a small community, remained some of her most cherished memories. Even as life took her to new places, she carried Walker in her heart.
Her life changed forever when she met Wayne in 1967. Their love grew into a partnership built on trust, laughter, and deep mutual respect. They were married on July 4, 1970, beginning a journey that would span decades and become the foundation of a family she treasured above all else. Through the Grace of God, and braced in a foundation of mutual love and respect, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary this past July 4th.
Connie poured her heart into her marriage, family, and raising their children, Scott, David, and Jamie, and later into loving their spouses as her own children. Becoming a grandmother, and eventually a great-grandmother, brought her immeasurable joy. Whenever her grandchildren visited, she felt she needed to make sure it was a time they remembered. Whether it was board games (even Monopoly Cheaters), stopping at every McDonalds from Dallas to Topeka for “dash fries” or making a special trip to “Haselhorst Chocolate”, she always wanted her grandchildren to have those special memories. Coby and Kathyn; Bryce; Coy; Nolan; Ellie, and Colten brightened her life, and she beamed each time she could share time with them. As great-grandchildren became part of her life, even while ill, you could see the joy that filled her heart. Little Jamison and Adelyn brought a light to her eyes, and the love in her heart grew more. She celebrated every milestone, every accomplishment, and every small moment of her children and grandchildren, always offering her familiar words of encouragement: “We are so proud of you.”
Though she never sought recognition, Connie lived a life full of accomplishment. While raising her family, she returned to the workforce and excelled in every role she took on: as manager of the Fuller Brush outlet store, the Shafer Art Gallery Director, or Scheduler in the offices of Kansas Lieutenant Governors Gary Sherrer and John E. Moore, and finally as Special Assistant to the President of the Kansas Board of Regents. Her work ethic was steady, her humility constant, and her desire to lift others up unwavering.
What Connie leaves behind is more than a list of achievements. She leaves a lifetime of love, holiday gatherings filled with laughter, quiet conversations at the kitchen table, handwritten notes, warm hugs, and the steady reassurance that family was the greatest blessing God ever gave her. Her presence made life gentler, and her absence will be felt deeply.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that her faith was strong, her love was abundant, and her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Connie is survived by her husband, Wayne; their children, Scott Bollig and wife, Jennifer; David Bollig and wife, Kim; Jamie Stutterheim and husband, Will; her grandchildren and great grandchildren; her sisters, Shirley Brungardt and husband, Robert; Wanda Schmidtberger and husband, Gary; her brothers, Lloyd Riedel and wife, Karen; Mike Riedel; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Bernice Riedel and her sister-in-law, Maurine Riedel.
A Celebration of Life Service will be at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August, 13, 2026, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays with Father Fred Gatschet, officiating. A private family inurnment will be at the WaKeeney Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 to 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, at Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials made payable to: V.F.W. Unmet Needs Program or Catholich Charities of Northwest Kansas in care of Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be emailed to clineschapels@gmail.com or left at the guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com