Connie L. Johanknecht

Connie L. Johanknecht, age 73, of Green Bay, passed away Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Bellin Hospital, surrounded by family after facing metastatic breast cancer with remarkable strength and determination.

Connie was born January 8, 1952, in Waupaca, daughter of the late Carl and Clara (Johnson) Jensen. She was a graduate of Waupaca High School. Connie grew up on a farm in Waupaca that was both hard work and fun, and it prepared her for the future with a strong work ethic.

Connie began a successful career with Schneider National on December 7, 1973, where she worked for a little over 40 years. She started as an hourly worker and advanced over the years to supervisor, manager, and director. Connie finished her career in information technology and was very proud of her Schneider accomplishments. She also co-owned and operated Charneski’s restaurant from 2001–2007. Connie enjoyed working with the staff and met so many nice people over the years.

She married Bob (Robert) Johanknecht on November 10, 1973, and they were married 28 years until Bob passed away in 2001. They had a daughter, Dena. After Bob passed, she married Paul K. Shellenberger on April 2, 2006. They enjoyed socializing with friends and family, playing cribbage, and hosting the original PC Rib Throwdown, a cooking competition among friends and family in their backyard. Paul passed away October 17, 2020.

Connie loved to socialize with her friends, quilt and sew, and was a wonderful cook and baker. She won many rounds of cribbage, enjoyed ’60s and ’70s music, traveling, flowers, and sitting on the deck. She traveled to Italy, Ireland, Alaska, and the Netherlands. Other trips included Mexico, Punta Cana, and Jamaica. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her daughter and watching her grandchildren grow.

Survivors include her daughter, Dena M. (Steven) Sands; sister, Elaine Petersen; brother: David Jensen; in-laws Janice, Alan, and Rosalie; her step-children, Patrick Shellenberger (friend Celia Pierque Flores), Jeffrey (Brittany) Shellenberger, and Melissa (Chris) Shellenberger Melnick; her grandchildren, Caiden Sands, Breckon Sands, Alice Shellenberger, Connor Braker, Evelyn Braker, Nathan Woods, Miles Melnick, and Olive Melnick; and foster grandson, M.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Clara Jensen; her husband, Robert Johanknecht; her husband, Paul Shellenberger; her brothers, Paul and Donald Jensen; her sister-in-laws, Nancy Jensen and Shirley Jensen, and brother-in-laws, Carl Peterson and Gary Johanknecht.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, December 4, 2025 at the Lyndahl Funeral Home.  Burial of her remains will take place at Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, King, WI at a later date.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the services at 6:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com

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