Sally Mcconnell

"Comforted by many family members at her bedside, Sally Kathleen (Larson) McConnell passed away on January 14, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was 85 years old.

A proud daughter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, McConnell was the eldest child of Irvin and Lenore Larson.  Sally enjoyed a modest upbringing with her parents and three siblings, gregarious Gail, precocious Paul and lovely Lynn.  The four remained fast friends and confidants throughout most of Sally's life, although sister Lynn suddenly passed at the age of thirty three and the recent loss of Gail saddened Sally greatly.  In her childhood, Sally was a quiet and athletic girl spending hours at water-play along the shores of nearby Lake Michigan.  At the age of twelve, Sally made a remarkable silent vow: she would bear and raise twelve children, six girls and six boys.  And so, with the love and commitment of her late husband, Robert B. McConnell, Sr., Sally realized her vow.  Much to Sally's delight many of her children found their own partners and blessed the growing family with children of their own.

Throughout her hectic and eventful life, Sally found peace and respite gardening, knitting and reading.

Later in her life, as events both tragic and wondrous intersected her life arc, as so must such events cross all our paths, Sally discovered a phrase which provided her a clear and sharp perspective; when asked "how are you today, Sally?" She would ring out in full voice "why, I'm perfect and improving!"

The tapestry of Sally's earthly life has been made. The story it tells is infused by a devotion to God and Jesus Christ, it is enriched and colored by the unqualified love of family and friends.  Perhaps most significantly it is crafted of the strongest of fabric - a kindness and generosity of heart realized day after day after day. Sally's many acts of kindness, both small and great, inspire and perhaps her legacy will be to help us all live lives which are perfect and improving.

She is predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Robert B. McConnell Sr., and her daughters Deborah and Pamela.

Sally Kathleen Larson McConnell will be greatly missed by her extended family and her even larger circle of friends, including her special companion Henry Petesch. Sally is survived by ten children: Catherine McConnell (Karen Ludwig), Kimberly McConnell (Joe Durkin), Timothy McConnell (Michele), Thomas McConnell (Jennifer), James McConnell (Kate), Matthew McConnell (Di), Mary Herrmann (Rick), Shawn McConnell (Myron Elgersma), Josh McConnell (Kate), Robert McConnell, Jr. (Tracey); Fourteen grandchildren: Quinn McConnell, Christina Bottini, Sydney McConnell-Durkin, Sara Durkin, Adam, Ryan, and Conner McConnell, Brandon Springer-McConnell (Kaylan), Megan Zimmerman (Joe), Eric Wingers, Brandy Herrmann, Chris, Alex (Kristin), and Anna Elgersma, and Kyle and Brady McConnell; and six great-grandchildren: Skylor and Riley Connors, Isabella, Evelyn, and Olivia Zimmerman, and Kenley Elgersma.

A service honoring Sally’s life will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Randolph Community Funeral Home, 208 South High Street, Randolph.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Randolph Community Funeral Home, Randolph with Rev. John Radetski and Pastor Kristin Fredrich officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Badger Honor Flight or National Multiple Sclerosis Society.