Constance Gangwer

(From Bath-Naylor Funeral Home)

Constance W. Gangwer 83, of Pittsburg, KS died 4:05pm Sunday, October 22, 2017 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Frontenac, KS following an illness. 

Connie was born November 24, 1933 in Coffeyville, KS the daughter of Herman V. and Irene E. Donovan. 

Connie graduated from Field Kindley High School in Coffeyville, KS; she later earned her associates degree from Coffeyville Junior College; later her diploma in nursing at the Mercy School of Nursing at Ft. Scott Community College. Next, she earned her B.S. Degree in Nursing at the St. Louis University in St. Louis, MO; lastly, she earned her Master’s Degree in Nursing at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. 

Connie also served her country in the United States Navy attaining the rank of Commander from 1968-1977. She served as a nurse. 

Connie later worked as a staff nurse for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Hutchinson, KS; St John’s Hospital Springfield, MO; St John’s Mercy Hospital St. Louis, MO and taught nursing for 2 years at Ft. Hays State University Hays, KS. Connie worked for 16 years for Pittsburg State University Nursing Department, retiring in 1993 as a full nursing professor.

Connie was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church; St Mary’s Altar Society; Betty Lou Vilmer American Legion Post #394; Mt. Carmel Auxiliary; Red Hat Society; Humane Society of SEK, and in 1956 she entered the Religious Sister of Mercy in St. Louis, MO taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. 

Survivors include special friends Mark and Julie Redd and children Adam, Lucas and Taylor all of Pittsburg, KS. 

Constance was preceded in death by her parents. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00pm Friday October 27, 2017 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Pittsburg, KS with Fr. Michael Baldwin as celebrant. Rosary will be recited at 6:30pm Thursday October 26, 2017 at the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg, KS; family will receive friends following the rosary. Public viewing will start after 12:00pm Thursday. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to the SEK Humane Society. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. 

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Bath-Naylor Funeral Home Pittsburg, KS.