Constance (Connie) Sautebin, 96, of Fargo, ND, passed away on Wednesday, March 15th, in the Bethany Retirement Living Memory Care Unit, with loving family by her side.
Constance “Connie” Marie Sautebin was born to John B. and Esther (Gohdes) Sautebin on December 19, 1920 at home near Davenport, ND. She graduated from high school in Davenport and obtained both her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s (1965) from Moorhead State University.
She took a position in Deer River, MN, as a junior high math teacher. After one year, she was hired to teach math for Jr. High students in Lone Rock, IA, where she remained for two years.
Connie moved to American Falls, ID for one year before moving to Pendleton, OR. She filled an open Sr. High math position until the regular teacher came back and then finished the year teaching a 5th grade class.
In 1946, Connie moved to Nunapitsinghak, AK, to teach at the Moravian Children’s Home. The school closed in 1973 and Connie moved to Bethel, AK, and taught 2nd grade until her retirement in 1985. She continued to live in Alaska and worked for the Alaska Moravian Church in many capacities including selling plots of land that had been donated to the church.
She moved to Watertown, WI, in 1999. She moved to Bethany Towers, Fargo, ND, in 2007 and was currently living in Bethany Retirement Living in Fargo.
Connie enjoyed embroidery handwork and loved to read. She was a member of the AK Education Association and National Education Association. As a life-long member of the Moravian Church, Connie’s missionary work played a very important role in her life. She enjoyed music and had a beautiful singing voice. Connie’s passion for adventure took her to places around the world such as New Zealand, the Amazon, South Africa Tanzania and Australia (to see Haley’s Comet), including a Hot Air Balloon ride at the age of 85.
She is survived by eleven nieces and nephews: Duane Williams, Lake Park, MN; John Williams (Kathy), Edmond, OK; Sharon Lane, Fargo, ND; Deborah Krogsgaard (Chris), Detroit Lakes, MN; Sandra Buchmann (Iver), Grand Forks, ND; Rebecca Condon (Paul), Clara City, MN; Karen Aaserud (Clarence), Edgewood, WA; Betty Mayton (Joe), South Chesterfield, VA; Phyllis Kirkland (Gayle), North Dinwiddie, VA; Robert Cole (Denise), Richmond, VA; Terry Cole (Penny) Chester, VA.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Adella Williams, Frances Johnson, Esther Short and Althea Cole.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Monday, May 1st, at 1:00 pm in the Chapel at Bethany Retirement Living at 201 South University Drive in Fargo. A private burial will take place at Canaan Moravian Church in rural Davenport, ND.
