Constance J. "Connie" Rihn

Connie J. Rihn (Culver, Metcalf), age 64, died January 7, 2018 in the tender care of nurses at
Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.
Connie was born on November 17th, 1953 in Chippewa Falls to Clayton and Florence “Toton”
Culver (Benson). On the farm she had many adventures with her cats, dogs, horses and other
animals. She loved being at home with her family, especially creating mischief of one kind or
another with her crew of cousins. Always being a mover and a shaker, she was also a jumper.
She was proud of her multiple jump rope championships and trophies.
Following high school she graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College and happily took
a position as Administrative Assistant at New York Life Insurance Company where she worked
for over 25 years. She utilized her quick wit and humor to liven up the boring business of life
insurance. She was always held in high respect and sought out for advice, help, and good
conversation. One of the best things the company gave her was a trip to New York City with her
daughter to celebrate the company’s 150th anniversary. They made some incredible memories,
all on the company’s dime. Connie loved a good deal. After the company downsized, Connie
made good use of her conversationalism bartending part-time for over 10 years at Morning’s
Corner, Salisbury Campground, and a couple of other fine establishments. She always said, “If
I’m going to be spending so much time at the bar I might as well get paid for it!”
Connie was married to Vernon Metcalf on May 19, 1979, and was proud to be a step-mom to
Vernon Jr. and Veronica. Their daughter Carissa Rose was born in 1984 and before amicably
divorcing in 1986 Vernon built Connie the home she designed. Connie was a strong
independent woman and rock star single parent. She dated the love of her life, Greg Rihn, for
many years, finally marrying on February 12, 2000. Between the two of them they knew most
backroads, bars, people, and jokes in the state of Wisconsin. They loved to go on road trips and
“pack a lunch”, make new friends, and cuddle close on the couch. Connie was his loving
caregiver when he went through cancer treatment and until he died on June 28, 2008.
Connie cared for people. She liked to talk, listen, and help wherever and however she could.
Though her eyes were big beautiful and blue, everyone would say her heart was her best
quality. She loved to thrift sale, eat good food, and watch movies. She looked forward to
traveling with friends, planning “hussy” reunions and jeeping. As much as she sought out a good
party, she just as much craved time at home in her jammies, snuggled up with a cat on her lap.
Connie is preceded in death by her parents Clayton and Florence Culver, ex-husband Vernon
Metcalf, and husband Greggory Rihn. She is survived by her daughter Carissa (Vanessa)
Hodgson and the apple of her eye, grandson Lennon Jac, whose middle name is a combination
of his two grandmothers: Judy and Connie. Connie is also survived by her step-children Vernon
(Angie) Metcalf, Jr. and their children Jesse and Danielle; Veronica Gettler and her children
Cody, Mackenzie, and Alexandra Klatt; Charlie (Renee) Rihn and their children Connor, Xander
and Easton; Tina Beranek (Matt Johns) and her daughter Nicole Bohl; her brothers Chris
(Linda) Culver and Dennis (Pat) Culver, along with many beloved nieces, nephews,
grand-nieces and grand-nephews, cousins, and an extraordinary network of friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 11:00 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church,
1800 Jackson St., Bloomer. Burial will follow at Auburn Cemetery. In true form, Connie
preplanned her final party. Please join us at White Pine Pavilion, 9832 County Hwy SS,
Bloomer, from 12:30-2:30 pm following the burial for food and drinks. Family and friends are
also invited to a visitation at Olson Funeral Home, 1516 Larson St, Bloomer, on Friday, January
12, 2018 from 4:00-7:00 pm.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to the incredible team of nurses and doctors in the
Critical Care and Comfort Care units at Sacred Heart Hospital for taking such amazing care of
Connie in her last days.