Constance “Connie” J. Muehleip

Constance “Connie” J. Muehleip, age 93, passed away peacefully in her beloved hometown of Galena, IL, surrounded by memories of a life beautifully lived. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena where friends may call after 10:30 AM until the time of mass. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM, Tuesday August 4, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena where a parish rosary will be recited at 4:30 PM. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Galena. Born on January 28, 1933, Connie was the second of two children born to Lester Burton “LB” Carns and Marie Mottel Carns of Hazel Green, WI.  From an early age, Connie possessed a bright mind and spirit. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her Hazel Green High School class and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1955.  Equipped with her degree, she shared her love of language and literature as an English Teacher.  She began her career in Benton, WI teaching high school English for three years, had a short two-year stint at St. Mary’s and taught for 17 years at Southwestern in Hazel Green, WI.  On June 16, 1956, she married her true love Norman “Huck” Muehleip.  Connie paused her teaching career to devote her time and heart to raising their children until they were older.  An avid Wisconsin Badger fan her whole life, she was thrilled to attend the Rose Bowl in 1953 and again in 1999.  She successfully passed her deep love of the Badgers down through the generations. Closer to home, Connie explored the outdoors in Buncombe and held a lifelong fondness for property that the Carns family owned Up North in Wisconsin.  She looked forward to the camp on the Mississippi River and moonlight boat rides while singing her rendition of “Shine on, shine on Harvest Moon”.  Connie and Norman shared many memories together — whether antique collecting, stopping by the Elks Club, cheering at the grandchildren’s sporting events and supporting the Galena Pirates, traveling to ATV races, or escaping the cold winters for Florida sunshine.  She found peace in the quiet moments too, enjoying a good book, the New York Times crossword puzzle, a round of golf, or music.  Sunday nights were sacred to Connie.  She regularly hosted Sunday night dinners with her parents, using the time to connect and keep family bonds strong.  She loved hosting family gatherings, including Christmas Eve prime rib dinners and 4th of July celebrations. Connie’s dedication was recognized throughout her life.  Beyond being Valedictorian of her high school class, she was a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority, St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society, Hospital Auxiliary and was honored as the Elks Mother of the Year in 1991 for dedication to her family and community. Surviving are her children, Michael (Cindy) Muehleip, of Galena, Mary (Paul) Biniak, of Littleton, CO, Jenny (Tim) Goodno, of Hazel Green, WI, and her son-in-law, Richard Wienen, of Galena, four grandchildren, Matthew (Katie) and Chad (Danica) Wienen, Katelyn Biniak (Matt Wagner), and Hunter Muehleip, six great grandchildren Conor, Jeb, Tuddy, Laken, Ainsley, and Loxley and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two daughters, Ellen “Tuddy” Wienen, and Mike’s twin, Michelle Muehleip that died at birth, her sister Rosemary Coluccy. In honor of Connie’s unwavering love for the Wisconsin Badgers, consider wearing something red to her wake services if you feel the same. Special thanks to Doctor Vandigo, and the Midwest Medical Center and Assisted Living Staff for the compassionate care, professionalism and kindness.