Constance "Connie" Adell was born on March 11, 1940, to Clifford and Mary (Mattison) Gustad in Heron Lake, MN. She was confirmed at Big Bend Lutheran Church and attended Appleton High School, graduating in 1957. Following high school, Connie attended Fergus Falls Teachers' Training and obtained her teaching license. She taught country school, first through sixth grade, in rural Watson. Connie met Vernon Lein in December 1958 while purchasing lumber supplies for her students' Christmas project. They were united in marriage on June 4, 1960, at Big Bend Lutheran Church. To this union, they were blessed with 5 children, 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Connie had a deep love for God and shared it with others through Bible study, circle, quilting, LadiesAid, singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school for many years. She was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd for over 60 years. Connie and Vern worked side by side, running Lein Lumber for many years while raising their family in Boyd, Minnesota. She enjoyed gardening, reading, spending time with family and friends, and going to the cabin.

Connie passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at the Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson at the age of 86. She is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Mary; sisters: Ruth Olson, Clarice Velde, Marlene Shaw, and Carol May; brothers: Russell, Rodney, and Orvis; sisters-in-law: Mavis Larson, Florence Lein, Charlene Gustad, Joan Gustad, and Diane Gustad; brothers-in-law: Wally Olson, Darrell Shaw, Tom Hermanson, Loren Lein, and Virgil Larson; infant goddaughter Roxanne Velde, and granddaughter-in-law, Stephanie Gregor.

Connie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Vern; daughter, Brenda (Gary) Strand and their family: Chyde (Tracy) Strand, JoAnna (James) DeJager, Harper; Teagan Strand (Christopher Goodwin), Jackson; Jordin Strand; Jammy (Kelly) Strand, Keyvin, Jaylee; Randy (Chelsea), Holden, Hudson; son, Todd (Anne Klawiter) Lein and their family: Greta Klawiter-Lein (Andy) Bryan, Penny; daughter, Pam Gregor and her family: Stephanie (Anthony) Christoffels, Nicholas, David, Emma, Owen; Paul Gregor, Aiden Sorenson, Lyla Sorenson; Corey (Lauren) Gregor, Adelyn, Elorie, Oliver; Christopher (Sarah) Gregor, Lucas, Logan, Liam; daughter, Gail (Steve) Wilson and their family: Chelsie (Caleb) Dodson, Gunner, Hope; Kayla (Carl) Townsend, Ernest; Gabi (Sean) Loehr; son, Terry Lein (Amber Anderson) and his family: Adell Lein, Christian Nohrenberg, Riley Anderson, Peyton Dack, Elliot Dack; brother, Dudley Gustad; brothers-in-law, Cliff May, John Velde; sisters-in-law, Vera Hermanson, Connie Gustad; special friend, Helen Mae Leasman, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 27th, 2026, from 5 to 7 PM, with a prayer service beginning at 7 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boyd. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday, March 28th at 1 PM, followed by the funeral service at 2 PM. Interment to follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.