Connie Schneweis, 64, died March 2 at her Great Bend residence. She was born Aug. 17, 1947, at Great Bend, to Albert Anton and Sarah Josephine (Smith) Maes. She married Larry L. Schneweis June 14, 1969, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Bushton. He survives. Mrs. Schneweis was a Great Bend, Kansas resident since 1969, coming from rural Bushton.

She was the vocal music and band instructor for Holy Family School, and the director of the bell choir and an organist at St. Patrick Catholic Church, all of Great Bend. She was also the director of Kindermusik and a private piano instructor.

Mrs. Schneweis was a member of the Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Altar Society, Kansas Music Educators Association, National Pastoral Musicians Association, Central Kansas Piano Teachers League, Kansas Music Teachers Association State Board Auditions Chairman, Kindermusik Association, and the National Catholic Teachers Association. In addition to her professional achievements, she had a great passion for her music ministry, continual work with the Catholic Church, and shaping young lives with the influence of God through music. She was a wonderful wife and mother, family was always her first priority, right behind her commitment to God. Connie enjoyed traveling, going to her class reunions, and attending all grandchildren’s activities. She was always on the go, and impacted all who crossed her path with the Light of Christ. She leaves us with her famous words, "Upward and Onward". Our farewell message to her; well done, good and faithful servant! We will be patiently waiting to see you once again.

Survivors include her husband, Larry L. Schneweis, of the home; one son, Troy Schneweis and his wife Melissa of Topeka; one daughter, Denise Wilkens of Great Bend; two sisters, Nancy Maes-Simonetti of Hutchinson, and Luann Bird and her husband Roy of Topeka; and two granddaughters, Madison Schneweis and Ryen Wilkens.

Altar Society Rosary will be at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 4, at Bryant Funeral Home. Vigil service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be at 2 p.m., Monday at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Great Bend. Father Warren Stecklein will be celebrant. Interment will be at the Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation on Sunday will be from 1-5 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home, and 6-9 p.m. at the church. Visitation Monday will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Holy Family School Music Department or Holy Family School Endowment Fund or Prince of Peace Parish or CKMC Foundation to benefit the Heartland Cancer Center, in care of Bryant Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.