Connie Troska

Connie Troska, 58, of Stephen, MN, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at her home after a courageous battle with cancer with her family by her side.

Connie Francis was born to Timothy and Marcella (Nowacki) Kazmierczak on July 30, 1965 in St. Paul, MN. She was raised alongside her five siblings near Thief River Falls, MN. The family later moved to Stephen, MN, where Connie graduated from Stephen High School in 1983. She went on to attend Bemidji State University, earning her degree in communications.

Connie married Gary Pietruszewski on May 7, 1988 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Stephen. During this union they welcomed their daughters, Nan and Britni. After Gary’s sudden and tragic death on October 7, 1990, Connie was left to raise her two young daughters on her own, with help from family and many in the Stephen community. She dedicated her life to raising Nan and Britni, and ensured her girls grew up to be strong and independent. Connie was very proud of all they have achieved.

In the spring of 1997, Connie met and began a relationship with Carl Troska. Through this, she gained her bonus children, Stephanie and Scott, whom she loved as her own. Carl and Connie married on June 23, 2007 at Salem Lutheran Church in rural Stephen.   

Connie selflessly devoted 36 years as a volunteer EMT for the Stephen Ambulance Service, and served as Director at the time of her passing. There are very few lives within the community that have not been touched by Connie’s commitment to this service. She and Carl were dedicated members of First Lutheran Church in Stephen, where Connie was part of the church council. At the time of her passing, Connie worked for the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging as a program developer. Previously she held positions working for Northland Community and Technical College, D&D Commodities, Violence Intervention, and the Stephen Messenger. She also did contract work for many local EMS and fire departments providing training services.

Connie was a creative soul. One of her favorite pastimes was writing. She wrote countless poems and stories, and could often be found journaling. She loved to cook and would often share her recipes with friends and family. She also enjoyed creating personalized keepsakes for family and friends. Connie meticulously cared for her lawn and garden, receiving many compliments from people passing by.

Left to mourn her passing are her husband of 17 years, Carl Troska; mother Marcie Kazmierczak; daughters, Nan (Derik) Nelson, Britni (Adam) Gajeski, and Stephanie (Michael) Pagnac; grandchildren, Carson, Brady, and Carly Pagnac, Harper and Weston Nelson, and Gwendolyn and Elliot Gajeski; siblings, Deb (Les) Kazmierczak, Scott (Jennifer) Kazmierczak, Wayne Kazmierczak, and Brian (Meghan) Kazmierczak; siblings-in-law Fredryce Sundby, Clarice Demeyere, Marcia Troska, Diane (Rick) Sundby, Lenore Pietruszewski, Gail (Scott) Brustad, and Carol (Bill) Kuznia. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and co-workers.

Connie is preceded in death by her son, Scott Troska; first husband, Gary Pietruszewski; brother, Arnold Kazmierczak; father, Timothy Kazmierczak, in-laws, Edmund and Helen Pietruszewski and Casmer and Esther Troska; brothers-in-law, Daniel Pietruszewski, John Troska, Darold Sundby, and Russell Demeyere.

 

In Lieu of sending thank you cards a Memorial will be made in Memory of Connie to the Stephen Volunteer Ambulance Service in gratitude for your outpouring of love.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 AM on Monday, April 8, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN

VISITATION: After 5:30 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service on Sunday at First Lutheran Church in Stephen, MN and one hour before services at the church on Monday.

INTERMENT: Stephen Cemetery, Stephen, MN

To watch a video of Connie's prayer service, please click on the link: Connie Troska Prayer Service

To watch a video of Connie's funeral service, please click on the link: Connie Troska Funeral Service