Heaven gained its rightful citizen and Burlington lost a beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, friend, artist, author, poet and fashion icon.
Constance D. "Connie" Japsen, 87, passed peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, surrounded by her family at the Hospice House in West Burlington. A great love story started at a Bee’s game in 1959 brought her a 65-year marriage to Brian D. (Burr) Japsen, and four children: Brian (Renee) Japsen II, Eric (Debbie) Japsen, Elizabeth (Mark) Wilcox and Katherine (Henry) Merschman. She is survived by all of them, as well as grandchildren: Courtney Klinefelter and her four children (Rinna, Jovan, Fierra and Cirie), Nolan Japsen, Brock Japsen, Valerie Japsen, Max (BreAnn) Wilcox, Natalie (Conner) Beck, Alex Stewart, and Adam Stewart (fiancé Aimee Loats).
Connie was born Nov. 7, 1937, the second of six children to Alfred J. and Gladys E. (Ibbotson) Goss. She was proceeded in death by her parents, brother Leo Goss and sister-in-law LaDonna. She remained close to her other siblings: Steve (Diana) Goss, Sanchia (Peter) Semere, Lola (Hank) Deneault, and John (Arlene) Goss, all of whom were able to visit their sister in her final days. Also surviving, Lois Akey who was Connie’s caretaker for the past year, and became a dear friend.
A private family graveside service will take place in Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A celebration of life will be held for the many, many people who knew and loved Connie and her family will be held Friday, Sept. 12 at The Loft on Jefferson St. in downtown Burlington. A time of visitation begins at 4:15 p.m., with the family greeting guests until 5:30. A service honoring Connie’s life will begin at 5:30 p.m., and guests are asked to stay for dinner afterwards.
Memorials have been established in her memory for a scholarship to a Southeastern Community College Art Student or Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center Hospice House.