Connie Lundstrom, the co-founder of Lakeville's Celebration Church, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, after a battle with cancer. Lundstrom was 73.

Connie came to Lakeville and co-founded Celebration Church in 1996 with her husband, Lowell Lundstrom. The two made music—which is how they met in the first place—a centerpiece of the new church.

Beyond being a pastor at her church, Connie was accomplished singer and author. She has written 10 cookbooks and a number of other books—the most recent of which, Seven Secrets for Your 70’s, was published in 2010—and she even has a music album dubbed, Connie, which was recorded in 1986.

According to Lowell, music was what first brought Connie and him together. They were both sophomores in a South Dakota high school and he asked her to join his band to compete in a talent contest.

“My wife Connie was the queen of my life for over 54 years,” he wrote. “We first met when I was a country rock entertainer. The first time I heard her sing I loved her alto voice, and asked her to join my band.”

They married in 1957.

But it was April 7, 1957, that the two dedicated their life to Christ, Lowell said.

"Connie invited me to church, and as a result of her influence, I committed my life to Jesus Christ," he said.

The two quickly began their evangelistic music ministry, traveling in a little Nash Rambler station-wagon to churches in the Midwest. From that small begining, their ministry grew to eight team members and pastors, as well as two large buses, and they traveled around the U.S. and Canada more than 300 nights a year, holding city-wide interdenominational outreaches, seminars and rallies.

Connie is survived by her husband, children: Pastor Londa (Brent) Ramsey, Lisa Lundstrom, L.J. (Kimberly), and Lance (Paola); seven grandchildren anda brother, Jerry (Eva) Brown. Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Celebration Church with a prayer celebration at 7 p.m. A “Going Home Celebration” will be held at 11a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, at Celebration Church. 

A service will also take place on Thursday, Dec. 22, at Family Life Assembly of God Church in Sisseton, SD.