Constance Ruth Hitzhusen, a beacon of love and hospitality, bid farewell to this world in the early hours of a Sunday morning in 2025, just a day before she would have turned 87. Known affectionately as Connie, she passed away peacefully in her home in Lewisville, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and warmth that touched the lives of many.
Born on January 20, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Theodore Emmit and Ruth Louise Smith, Connie spent her formative years on a farm near St. James, Minnesota, alongside her younger sister Sara Louise. The family later relocated to Mason City, Iowa, in 1943, where Connie blossomed into a young woman with a passion for music, taking piano and voice lessons while honing her skills on the ice at East Park during winter. She was confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and graduated from Mason City High School in 1956, setting the stage for a life filled with love, adventure, and service.
After attending Valparaiso University as a distinguished member of The Phi Beta Kappa Society, Connie’s path took a turn when she married Joseph H. Alcorn, with whom she had three children before their paths diverged in 1963. However, love found her once again when she met Donald H. Hitzhusen, and the pair exchanged vows in August 1966, embarking on a journey filled with shared dreams and boundless love.
Settling down on a farm between Rockwell and Rockford, Iowa, Connie and Donald built a life together, nurturing their children Mark and Paula, and expanding their business ventures in insurance, real estate, and farming. Their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish Hitzhusen Hunts, offering clients memorable African safaris and pheasant hunts on their farms, creating lasting memories for family, friends, and guests over the years.
Connie’s love for people and her gift of hospitality were unparalleled, with her culinary skills and warm demeanor making her a beloved figure in her community. Whether hosting intimate dinner parties or large gatherings, Connie’s unconditional love and enthusiasm shone through, leaving a lasting impression on all who crossed her path. Her famous chocolate chip cookies became a trademark of her hospitality, symbolizing the sweet memories she created for those around her.
Beyond her culinary talents, Connie’s appreciation for the natural world was evident in her love for gardening, flowers, trees, and wildlife. Her dedication to preserving Iowa’s natural prairie, recognized by The Nature Conservancy in 1991, showcased her commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship. The Hitzhusen Prairie stands as a testament to her love for the land and her desire to protect its beauty for future generations.
Active in her church and various community organizations, Connie’s faith was her guiding light throughout her life, inspiring her to share her beliefs with others near and far. Her missionary spirit found expression in her travels to Africa, where she shared her faith with those she met, leaving an indelible mark on hearts across the globe.
In her later years, Connie continued to spread joy and encouragement, embodying a spirit of kindness and generosity that defined her character. Her move to Dallas, Texas, to be closer to her children and grandchildren allowed her to cherish family moments and create cherished memories that will endure for generations to come.
As the world mourns the loss of a luminous soul in Connie’s passing, her legacy of love and faith lives on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her presence may be missed, but her spirit remains a guiding light, watching over all who were touched by her grace and warmth.
Survived by her children Mark Alcorn and Paula Tyler, grandchildren Erin Alcorn O’Donnell and Colin Alcorn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members, Connie’s memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As she joins her loved ones in eternal rest, her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
A Celebration of Life service and burial will be held in her honor on June 28, 2025, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Rockwell, Iowa, followed by a graveside service at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will be served to commemorate her life and legacy, with memorials encouraged to be made to the Lime Creek Nature Center or the Rockwell Library in her honor. Fullerton Funeral Home is overseeing all arrangements for the services, ensuring that Connie’s legacy is honored with the dignity and respect she deserves.
