William "Willy" Mcconnell

William "Willy" J. McConnell, age 75, passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019 at the Mayo Clinic - Saint Marys Campus following a two-year illness with cancer. Willy was born to William and Geraldine (Helgerson) McConnell on August 3, 1943 in Minneapolis, MN. Willy served three years in the U.S. Army and 17 years in the Merchant Marines. He then worked as a bar manager until his retirement. Willy married Linda Wade in 1963 and they later divorced. He married Linda Greening on October 20, 1990 and she survives. Willy is also survived by two children; son, Michael of Canton, OH; daughter, Ruth Ann McConnell and granddaughter, Alexis both of Houston, TX. He is also survived by Linda's son, Jay (Stephanie) Greening and grandchildren, Andrea, Amanda and Zachary of Peoria, IL. He is also survived by two brothers, Michael and Patrick (Dorothy) of Rochester, MN; and one sister, Jeanne McConnell of Bastrop, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Patricia Ann and a sister-in-law, Susan McConnell. The family would like to thank Dr. Paul Takahashi, everyone at Mayo Hospice and all the nurses and staff that took care of him at Saint Marys Hosptial and Edenbrook Nursing Home for the wonderful care that Willy received. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Pax Christi Catholic Church with the Father Will Thompson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Following Willy's wishes, his body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic with burial to follow at a later date the MN State Veteran's Cemetery Preston, MN. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the McConnell family. To share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com