Garold McConnell

Garold Melvin McConnell, 88, passed away peacefully in his sleep at North Valley Community Hospital Aug. 18, 2006, after a short illness.

He was born on the family farm Aug. 4, 1918, in Ragen, Neb., to Frank and Rosie McConnell, the oldest of five children. After graduating from high school in Ragen, he served honorably in the Army during World War II.

On Sept. 8, 1945, he married Dorothy Ann Knox, of Holdrege, Neb. They were blessed with two sons, Robert and Don. While living in Nebraska, he worked for the Soil Conservation Service in Minden and Hastings. In 1968, he accepted a transfer to Helena to be nearer to his beloved mountains. He worked in Helena until he retired in 1968 after more than 30 years of service.

He and Dorothy moved to Whitefish in 1997 to be closer to their sons and their grandchildren Molly, Karl and Shawna and their step grandson Brooks.

Mac especially enjoyed woodworking, photography, living in Montana and shooting the breeze with his neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Margaret and his brother Bud.

Mac is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; his son Bob McConnell, wife Vicki and daughter Molly, all of Whitefish, and their son Brooks, of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; his son Don McConnell and children Karl and Shawna, all of Whitefish; his brother Keith McConnell and wife Bernieta, of Kearney, Neb.; his sister Zella Richman and husband Harvey, of Alma, Neb.; his sister-in-law Wanda McConnell, of Phillipsburg, Kan.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his gentle spirit and a friendly wave to everyone who passed by his porch.

Memorial services will be held in Whitefish and Minden, Neb., on dates to be announced later.

Memorials may be sent to the "Trees in Memory" Program, National Arbor Day Foundation, 211 North 12th Street, Lincoln NE 68508.