March 12th, 1957 – Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Service Information
St. John’s Lutheran Church of
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2008
Visitation Information
Connie Marie Manuel, 51, passed away Wednesday, April 16th, 2008, following a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was surrounded by her family.
Connie attended Bloomington Kennedy, where she excelled in athletics and was honored with the “Athena” award her senior year. Connie continued her athletic achievements at St. Cloud State University, graduating in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She first taught at Minnetonka, then, in 1987, moved to Waconia High School, where she was a beloved teacher and coach for 20 years. She was a true sportsperson throughout her life, serving as the head coach of both Girls Volleyball and Boys/Girls Track and Field for much of those 20 years. She was a also a strong proponent of lifetime fitness. Connie earned her Masters Degree in 1996 from the University of Minnesota, with a thesis devoted to women in sports. She was a member of the MN State High School League Coaches Association and was honored as the MN Volleyball coaches Association Coach of the year in 1995; and the Wright County Track and Field Coach of the year in 2002. She was also names as the Waconia District Teacher of the Year for the 2005/2006 school year. Connie loved her family, friends, and the faculty, staff, students and athletes of the Waconia school district.
Connie was preceded in death by her father: Harry Manuel.
She is survived by her mother: Mary Ann (Nee Howard) Roth; brother: Jim; sister-in-law and friend: Kim; and nephews: Matt and Jake Manuel; sister: Tricia Manuel; and many, many close friends.
Memorials are preferred to “The family of Connie Manuel”. Memorials will be distributed to the “Connie Manuel Memorial Student Athlete Scholarship Fund”, MOCA (Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance), and to an animal rescue program.