SOUTH DAKOTA SERVICE
A Celebration of Life service on Monday, September 19,2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Family will be present from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

APPLETON CITY SERVICE
will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, Appleton City, Missouri on Wednesday,September 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m.

VISITATION
at Hill & Son Funeral Home, Appleton City, Missouri on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

MINISTER
Pastor Robert Sefrit

MEMORIALS -
Handi-Riders of Sioux Falls, SD or DAWGS Children's Ministry or Backpack Outreach Ministry
(Trinity United Methodist Church, Appleton City, MO)

BURIAL will be in Appleton City Cemetery, Appleton City, Missouri

Connie June (Vinson) Piepmeier, 62, died Thursday, September 15, 2011 at The Avera Dougherty House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Connie was born June 5, 1949 in Appleton City, Missouri to James and Cleta McEwan. She attended Appleton City High School and Warrensburg College in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Connie lived her life with an adventurous and childlike spirit. Being raised on her family farm she acquired a love for the outdoors and her passion for horses.

On September 17, 1971 Connie married Michael Vinson. They moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1979. They were blessed with two children, Chris and Stefanie. As a family they shared in many fun traditions. While raising their children in Sioux Falls they experienced a life blessed with good friends, faith and family. This led to the addition of a daughter and son blessed thru the marriages of Chris and Stefanie.

Connie "Granny" made a special point to make each grandchild's time with her extra special. This included having each baby enter the Appleton City, Missouri Baby Show, following in her footsteps. Other special memories were made with special first day of school appearances, tea parties, pool parties, lemonade stands, horse rides, firework displays, ATV adventures, attendance of ball games and rodeos, and special school and church programs.
Connie planned several wonderful family trips where very special memories were made. She also thoroughly enjoyed every holiday and birthday celebration where her "extra special" touch will always be remembered. From the baby Jesus birthday cake and special Easter lamb cake, to the Santa Claus cookies and Halloween burgers. Not only was she their Granny, but she was also their best friend.

After retiring to spend time with her grandchildren, "Granny" enjoyed being present at all their activities, special days, and taking them each on their own trips. During this time Connie was also able to pursue her passion for horses and the outdoors. She enjoyed swimming, trail rides, and family gatherings.

Connie returned to her roots in Appleton City, Missouri in 2006 following the death of her husband, Mike. She was actively involved with the Junior Achievers and P.E.O. service organizations as well as serving on the Appleton City Library Board and on the board of Trinity United Methodist Church. Connie greatly enjoyed the activities that allowed her to serve the youth in her community.

Throughout her time in Missouri she loved spending time with her horses and family. In November 2007, Connie married Bill Piepmeier. They spent their time together traveling and enjoying outdoor activities.

It was Connie's faith, strength, determination, and fighting spirit that allowed her to live her life to the fullest. There is peace and comfort in knowing Connie now lives her eternal life with our Lord.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her son, Chris Vinson and 'daughter-in-love", Shalece and their children Shelby (13) and Clay (10) of Worthing South Dakota; her daughter and son-in-law Stefanie and Darin Hage along with their children Dylan (10) Sydney (7) and Sawyer (10 months) of Harrisburg, South Dakota; and Bill Piepmeier of Appleton City, Missouri. Additional family celebrating her life include her mother, Cleta McEwan of Appleton City, Missouri, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Janice McEwan of Rockville, Missouri, brother, John McEwan of Appleton City, Missouri, and sister-in-law, Judy Borcerine of Sioux Falls. Connie's nieces and nephew, great nieces and nephews and their families were also a special part of her life.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Vinson, father James McEwan and "mother-in-love" Bloncille Vinson.

To have hope you need faith. To trust faith, you require peace. To complement peace, you look to love. And with love there is always hope.

We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to all those who touched Connie's life. Connie was blessed to have such wonderful friends, family and caregivers. The kind words and deeds, thoughts, and prayers will forever be remembered.