"The Queen of Circle Street" passed away on Dec. 12, 2023, at the age of 97. She was born on Sept. 20, 1926, in Appleton to the late J.E. and Alma (Brill) Murphy. Connie was a 1944 graduate of St. Mary Academy in Prairie du Chien, WI and was also a 1948 graduate of Marquette University with a PHB in Psychology and Sociology. On June 15, 1948, she married Richard Loescher at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton. Soon after they began raising a family of six children. Connie always said those were the happiest days of her life. Since then, she has knitted over 1000+ very large Christmas stockings personalized with names of her family and friends and their children. She knitted endless articles of clothing for many of the same people, most notably slipper socks. Connie was known as the "Cookie Lady" by numerous friends, family and neighbors who received her tins, trays, boxes, bags and wraps of her various tasty seasonal delights. She loved classical music, decorating her home inside and out and her flower gardens; all of which gave her much joy.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Mary Ellen Cottrell, Appleton; sons: Gregory, Iola, William, Appleton, David (Jackie) Hartland and Michael (Linda), Grafton; brothers: David and Jerry Murphy both of Appleton; former daughter-in-law, Carla Loescher Schwark, Appleton; four grandchildren: Sean and Erin Cottrell, Max and Maddie Loescher; great grandchildren: Gabby Cottrell and Dillon Cottrell; one great great grandson, Ryland Cottrell; nephew, Tommy Preimsberger, a sister-in-law, Dorothy Loescher and family of Tucson, AZ; special friends: Debra Hartzeim and Wes and Nancy Fietzer, and neighbors: Stephen and Debra Gardner and Bill and Paula Heigis.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband Richard of 67 years, son Timothy, parents, three infant sisters: Patricia, Mildred and Agnes; her sister, Marion Preimesberger; brothers: Robert, John and Patrick; sister-in-law, Joyce Murphy, and son-in-law Michael Cottrell.

A private family service will be held at the funeral home in the spring of 2024 with Fr. Ryan Stark officiating. She will be laid to rest in St. Margaret Cemetery in Neenah. Please direct memorials to St. Therese Catholic Church and Xavier High School

Connie, her family, her neighbors, and her friends would like to sincerely thank the Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center, Aspirus Hospice, and ThedaCare Hospice for their excellent care and warm compassion during her stay at Rennes.

"For the happy times at our summer home at Twin Harbor Drive in Winneconne, swimming, water skiing and cruising on the lakes with "Captain Richard" on his beloved "Adonis" with family and friends. For the summers at Eagle River at the Neal Springers family cabin. To Carla and Glen and the Steinbergs for happy times at Fremont, especially the card games and sitting around the fire pit in the evenings. To my brothers: David and Jerry, my ever-loving chauffer's during winter snow. To many others-You know who you are! I'm so grateful!

Do not mourn for me. I had an incredible trip. Thank you to my dear family and friends who travelled with me and made the journey such a joy! Thanks to my children-especially Bill, who despite his disability, gave me great comfort and love. To the "Sauer Bunch" who cared for me with all their kind deeds, so I could live in my home at "405". As a charter member of St. Therese, I thank all the priests and the congregations who aided me in my sadness during my grief of my son Tim's untimely death at the age of 27 and to Carla his wife who grieved with me. To my treasured friends: Carla and Glen Schwark, Rick Sauer Family, Vince Biskupic Family, Harry Dahlstrom Family (especially Mary), Jim Walsh Family, Naime Schmitt, Betty Williamsen, Debbie McAbbs, Sharon Dennis Family, Dr. Tim Vosters D.D.S., Dr. George Jumes D.D.S., Dr. Steven Dernlan M.D., Jim DeWall Family and Marilyn Ebben (who did my hair and kept me looking gorgeous). To my family and friends who made my life at "405" so comfortable and happy!

There will be a Memorial service for Connie at 1PM on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Followed by a time of fellowship.

May God bless you and keep you and may his face shine upon you! Amen.