Garold 'Mac' McConnell, 88

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

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 U.S. 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, Bob and Don, and their grandchildren, Molly, Karl, Shawna, and stepgrandson, 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 and his wife, Vicki and their daughter, Molly, all of Whitefish, and their son, Brooks, of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; his son, Don and his children, Karl and Shawna, all of Whitefish; his brother, Keith, and his wife, Bernieta, McConnell of Kearney, Neb.; and his sister, Zella, and her husband, Harvey Richman, of Alma, Neb.; his sister-in-law, Wanda, 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 National Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508, "Trees in Memory" program.