Connie J. Thrailkill

Connie Jean Thrailkill (MAMA LUG!), age 76, of Laurens, Iowa, passed away on July 23, 2025, at Sunnyview Care Center in Ankeny after a long battle with Dementia.

Connie was born to John and Eve Ketelson on May 24, 1949, in Fort Dodge IA.

Connie grew up outside of the very large city of Knierim, IA and graduated from Cedar Valley HS in 1967. She followed her beautiful dreams to cosmetology school at the La James College of Beauty in Fort Dodge, IA and graduated in 1968. While there, she met Roger Thrailkill, and they were blessed with their only child Ryan. After college, Roger and Connie relocated to Laurens, IA. Fate was found when she met Ray Olson and gave her an opportunity to work in his salon.

In 1973, Connie opened Connie's Country Curl in a small space on Hwy 10. Connie started small but grew her business over the years. She moved to the downtown location on 3rd Street, where she made clients beautiful & wiser until she retired in 2014.

Connie shared her zest for life with everyone: family, friends and strangers. Her greatness was contagious, and she spread it far. Ryan knows: Be kind to everyone, for you never know their path in life.

Connie enjoyed playing cards, golf, traveling, music and having cold ones with friends; especially the ones in that special town of Laurens that supported Connie for so many years and helped when her dementia started to take her life.

Those left to cherish her memory, Ryan, Brooke, and Thayne; sister, Janet Frotscher; grandchildren, Sydni (Issac Schafbuch), Koy (Ellie) Thrailkill; nephew and nieces, Ross, Chad, Jon and Christin Ketelsen, Stacey & Tom, Cael, Peyton and Jordan Hodges.

Preceding Connie in death are her parents, John and Eva Ketelsen; brother, Lennis Ketelsen, and nephew, Brad Frotscher.

Being the special lady that she was, we needed two Celebrations of Life.

In Lieu of flowers memorials are requested in Connie's name.