John Mcconnell, Jr

John W. McConnell, Jr. - 10/08/2001 John W. McConnell, Jr. - 10/08/2001 JOHN W. McCONNELL, JR. IDAHO FALLS, ID -- John William McConnell, Jr., 68, of Idaho Falls, died October 7, 2001, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of complications due to cancer. He was born May 17, 1933, in Des Moines, Iowa, and adopted by John William McConnell and Dorothy Struever McConnell of Woodstock, Illinois. John attended schools in Woodstock, graduating from Woodstock Community High School in 1951. He attended the University of New Mexico and the University of Illinois, graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. He received a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho in 1981. John was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity throughout his college days. John married Mary Haager from Woodstock, Illinois in 1955. They lived in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Buffalo, New York, and Albuquerque, New Mexico before moving permanently to Idaho Falls. All of their children were born in Albuquerque. As a Professional Engineer John worked for Phillips Petroleum, Aerojet, Idaho Nuclear, E G & G, and Lockheed Corporations at the INEEL. He also worked for Energy Incorporated. After working in the Waste Management Department he retired from Lockheed in 1988, with the designation of Senior Engineering Specialist and Consulting Scientist. John was active in the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association, coaching for 20 years, primarily in the Bantam age group. He was part of the team that designed and built the current Hockey Rink serving as a construction engineer for the project. John was a lifelong hunter, fisherman, birdwatcher, and cross-country skier. He took advantage of everything Idaho and the West had to offer. John and Mary enjoyed trips following the California and Oregon wagon train trails throughout the west. He continued a lifelong love of exploring and learning about Native American History, particularly in the southwest. He was an authority on U. S. Military Carbines, specifically Civil War era, visiting many memorials and battlefields. John contributed to local, state, national, and international good works, ranging from historical and preservationist groups to athletic organizations such as the U. S. Olympics and youth hockey. He was a lifetime member of the N.R.A. and supported constitutional rights. Surviving are: his wife: Mary McConnell, Idaho Falls, daughter: Beth [Mark] Peterson, Stateline, NV, daughter: Katie [Kevin] Curtis, Idaho Falls, son: John W. [Julie] McConnell III, Seattle, WA, brother: Thomas Struever [Mary Sue] McConnell, Albuquerque, NM, six grandchildren, Megan & Ethan Curtis, Marie & Caleb Peterson, and Hannah & Ian McConnell. Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 11, 2001, at the Wood Chapel of the Pines. The family will meet with friends on Thursday immediately after the services, at the McConnell Home, 8368 North 5th West (East River Road). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association through the John McConnell Scholarship Fund in care of the Bank of Commerce, 1770 East 17th Street, Idaho Falls, ID 83401. Donations slips may be picked up through Wood Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. [ Previous Obituary - Jim Cantonwine | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Gwen Clement ]