Constance "Connie" Ogren

Constance "Connie" (Royce) Ogren, affectionately known to friends and family as "the Energizer Bunny" passed away peacefully on Friday April 14th, 2017, surrounded by family. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Connie married Richard Ogren, a pharmacist in the Air Force in 1951 and quickly took to military life. Together they raised 6 children, traveling across the U.S. and even around the world. Wherever Richard was stationed, the family went. Retirement brought them to Traverse City in 2003. A homemaker with a generous and compassionate heart, Connie was an active volunteer, serving as a candy striper for the Red Cross, a leader for both Girl Scouts and the Church Youth group. She was known for her knitting, and has gifted countless afghans, sweaters, washcloths and baby blankets to friends and family. She was generous and would do whatever she could to be helpful. Although not outwardly emotional, her kindness was impossible to miss. She never met a stranger, her friendship was extended to all she met, and remained for life. With an open door policy there was always an extra plate at the table and an extra Christmas stocking hanging for whomever might find their way to her home. Family gatherings grew over the years as her children married and had children of their own, but there was room for more. This compassion was even extended to animals, and she had several pets throughout the years that enjoyed her friendship. Connie loved card games, reading, fishing, travel, fine and performing arts, animals, and her family. Connie was preceded in death by her husband Richard, her parents Frederick & Maria Royce, her siblings, Frederick II, Charles and Rosayln Porrini, daughters Janet Avery and Laura Hunter, and a granddaughter Amy Mickel. She is survived by her daughters Mary (Dan) Sullivan, Terry (Alex) Mickel, and Sue (Dan) Walters, son Robert (Michelle) Ogren and 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. A memorial service honoring Constance will take place at 3:00 p.m., with visiting one hour prior, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Celebrant Tim Moeggenberg will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings, Traverse City, MI 49686. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Connie’s family at www.reynolds-jonkkohff.com. The family is be cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Constance "Connie" Ogren

April 28, 1931 - April 14, 2017