Constance L. “Connie” Siedel, 78, of Abingdon, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at 3:05 a.m.
Connie was born Sept. 23, 1947, in Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbur Harris and Eleanor Ruth (Bishop) Thurman. She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in 1965. Connie married and had two children. They later divorced and Connie spent many years with her longtime partner Ernst Brunner. Ernie preceded her in death in 2000.
Connie is survived by one son, Bob (Cindy) Siedel of Yates City, Illinois; one daughter, Sonita (the late Randy Hastings) Siedel of Abingdon; and one sister, Sandy Ruggles of Abingdon. Connie is also survived by her beloved four grandchildren, Taylor Siedel, Brad Siedel, Alyssa Siedel, and Amanda (Chris) Hootman; and her adored three great-grandchildren, Jaret, Olivia, and Luke. Along with her parents and partner, Ernie, Connie was preceded in death by one brother, Jeff Thurman; one sister, Cathy Thomas; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Brunner.
Connie was a longtime employee at Admiral, later Maytag, in Galesburg, until her retirement in 1997. She loved to keep busy, whether it was taking one of her many trips traveling around the United States or bowling — she was on the go. Connie also was active for many years at Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381, Ladies Auxiliary. She was a fiercely loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed playing Scrabble and was an avid reader, a trait she instilled in her grandchildren. Most of all, Connie loved being a mother, grandmother, companion, and friend to all those in her life.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Laurie Mackey and Andrea Ruhl, who helped immensely in caring for Connie.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Harry E. Wiles American Legion, Abingdon, Illinois. Private family burial of cremated remains will be at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Cat N Around Rescue. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.