Connie Louise Oakman-Hupertz 1943-2018 Born April 27, 1943 in Freidens, Pennsylvania, Connie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at University Hospital’s Geauga Medical Center in the company of her family.
Connie spent most of her life working in the restaurant industry as a waitress and manager until she decided to join her husband Jerry, as a truck driver. She earned her commercial drivers license and spent nine years on the road traveling the country with Jerry, subsequently learning more about the restaurant industry by eating in practically every greasy-spoon in America. In 1993, Connie and Jerry sold their last truck and opened their dream business, The Sunrise Cafe in Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, where she quickly became involved in the community and spent some time as a Village Council Member.
Connie enjoyed spending time at Geneva-on-the-Lake, always eager to see the summer season begin, and sad to see it end. She loved meeting new people every day at the restaurant, and was never at a loss for words in friendly conversation or argument. She enjoyed casino gambling with her friends and family, and could spot a jackpot from a mile away. Connie was the glue that held her family together, believing that nothing in life was more important than family. She will be missed by all who had the good fortune to meet her. Connie was preceded in death by her father James Oakman. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Gerald; her mother Evelyn (Fitzgerald); brothers Robert and James; and sisters Carolyn (Robison), Susan (Andrews), and JoAnne (Powell). She is also survived by her five children Stefanie (Ornelas), Gerald, George, Scott and Anne (Bugansky); eight grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sixth child The Sunrise Cafe.
A celebration of Connie’s life will be held on her 75th birthday, April 27, 2018 at The Cove Night Club, 5326 Lake Road East, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH starting at 4:00 pm and continuing through the late hours; come at a time that is best for you. Please check the Sunrise Cafe facebook page for more details and updates.
The Behm Family Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com