Constance H. “Connie” Kissack age 88 of Clinton, IA passed away Saturday June 28, 2025 at Addington Place, Clinton. A Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday July 11th at Prince of Peace Parish, Clinton. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 10th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Pape Funeral Home. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Connie was born May 7, 1937, to Edward C. and Lewella Sullivan Halbach. She graduated from Clinton High School in 1955 and The University of Iowa in 1959. She taught business subjects in Webster City, Iowa, and then worked as a Junior High School counselor in Fargo, North Dakota. After receiving a National Defense Education Act Grant she earned her Master’s degree at the University of Michigan. Connie then served as a High School counselor in Skokie, Illinois, where she met and married Richard Kissack who was also teaching at the Niles Township High Schools. Later, the Kissacks returned to Clinton where they raised four children and have resided ever since. As a wife, mother of four, grandparent, and community activist, her attitude has always been one of nurturing and caring for others whenever possible.
As a fulltime homemaker, Connie was able to contribute to many activities in the Clinton community. She served on the then newly-created Iowa State Health Facilities Commission, the Mercy Hospital Board of Directors, the YMCA Board of Directors, the United Way Board, Sacred Heart Church activities, and eventually the newly formed Prince of Peace Parish Council as well as other committees of the Church. A special Church project included serving as chairman of the Neighborhood Block Party, designed to help encourage friendships and cooperation among nearby Churches. As Associate Benevolent Society Board member and President for many years, Connie’s special interest was in helping others to live a better life. As a founder of the Clinton area Holiday Network, Connie made a special priority of providing socks and underwear for kids. Through work with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and its Advisory Board she was further able to advocate for those in need. She received numerous volunteer awards including the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award, YMCA Volunteer of the Month, and YWCA Woman of Action.
Connie is survived by her four children: Paul (Kaylee Leslie), of Clinton, Karen Welling (Bill), of Pardeeville, Wisconsin, Philip (Anne Sypniewski), of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and David (Emily Bachman), of Davenport. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Brennan Miller (Colton), Nate and Jayden Kissack, Colton (Payton Jones), Jared and Tommy Welling, Theresa, Tony, Ted and Audrey Kissack, and Madelyn and Eli Kissack, and one great-grandchild: Ivan Miller.
Connie leaves behind a sister-in–law, Jan Halbach, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Dick, her parents, three brothers, Joe, Ed, and Dave Halbach, her special foster sister, Lois Wolsleger and her sister-in-law, Lydia Halbach.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Information, Referral & Assistance Services or Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). The family would like to extend their gratitude to Addington Place of Clinton for the wonderful care that Connie received while living there for the last two years. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.
So sorry to hear of Connie’s passing. She was one of my mother’s (Sharon Streit McEleney) good friends since grade school at OLA. Although my mother passed away 2 years ago, I still remember her speaking of the fond memories she had with Connie as they grew up together.
She told me Connie leaving OLA to go to Washington Junior High in 7th grade was the reason she left OLA. She wanted to pal around with Connie. ❤️ Connie was also one of her bridesmaids in 1959.
Again, so sorry for your family’s loss. She definitely was a special woman and will be missed.
We are sorry to hear of Connies passing.She was a beautiful lady inside and out.Not only was she a wonderful neighbor,she had a heart of gold.
I am so sorry Connie is no longer with us. I am lucky to have so many memories of her. Connie and Dick were like an aunt and uncle and family always came first. Condolences to all the Kissack family—especially Paul, my friend of 55 years and counting.
I have fond memories of time spent with my Aunt Connie. I will cherish each and every one.
Connie was always positive and kind, I will miss her.
Connie was my sorority sister at Iowa and a close friend. We stayed in touch thru the years. Sorry to learn of her passing!
Deepest sympathies from the Halverson family. Similar to her work in the community, Mrs. Kissack was a neighborhood mother to her children’s friends as well. My grandparents and I benefited from her devotion to her neighbors and were lucky to have her and her family in our lives.
I’m sad to lose my Aunt Connie. Please accept my deepest sympathy to the family. My sister, Mom and I are so grateful we visited before she passed. My prayers are with you all. Much love!
Connie had a sparkle in her eye which always made you always made you feel good. She could make the best candy for the Parish country store. You will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to the Kissack family upon the death of your Mother/Grandmother. Connie was a WOW with all she did to make life better for those living in Clinton!!! She definitely deserved the YWCA Woman of Action Award along with the Governor’s Award for her volunteerism. Connie made a difference in this world!!! I have warm memories of visiting with Connie – both while I taught with Dick at Clinton High School and also since then when I would be back, attending Mass with Odelia Schrunk.