In Memory
Information from John Blechschmidt Class of 1952 (August 2018)
John Charles McConnell
Jun. 16, 1933 - Jan. 21, 2011
SOUTH BEND - John Charles McConnell, 77, passed away surrounded by his family. He was born on June 16, 1933, to Kenneth John Haggerty McConnell and Margaret White Hanson McConnell Ham in Niles, Michigan,who preceded him in death.He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Eugene Ham.
He graduated from Adams High School in 1952 and joined the Army. He served two years in the Eleventh Airborne during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned to South Bend. On July 4, 1959, he married the love of his life, Sally Jean Goss, at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church inSouth Bend, Indiana. This past July 4th they were able to celebrate 51years of marriage.
They went on to have three daughters, Kelly (Jeff) Cowsert of South Bend, IN, Kathy (Bryan) Landen of Bargersville, IN,and Karen (James) Bond of Bella Vista, Arkansas. He is also survivedby his five grandchildren, Kate Landen of West Lafayette, IN, KenLanden of Dundee, Scotland, James Bond of Bella Vista, Arkansas,Rachel Bond of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Nicole Cowsert of SouthBend, IN. His family always came first in his life. He was awonderful, loving and thoughtful husband, father, brother and grandfather. He is survived by three brothers, Charles Ham, Albert (Lanny) Ham, Richard (Patricia) Ham, and one sister, Claire Ann (Thomas) Wiggins, all of Niles, Michigan. He is also survived by two brothers-in-law, Ronald (Constance) Goss of Salem, South Carolina, and Kent (Nancy) Goss of Eaton, IN, and one sister-in-law, Gloria (Robert) DeBuysser of South Bend, IN.
John spent 34 years in the banking industry, beginning as a teller. He worked very hard to earn the title of Vice President at South Bend Federal Savings and Loan. He enjoyed working on the creation of the River Commons subdivision, helping each family build the house of their dreams. John had a special gift of helping others. His way of giving back to others was to serve as a Board Member of the Central Career Center Building Trades,Homebuilders Association of St. Joseph Valley, National Homebuilders Association (Life Spike member), the Credit Bureau of South Bend-Mishawaka, and the State Advisory Committee for Vocation Education for the South Bend Community School Corporation. He was a past Chairman of the St. Joseph Valley Panorama of Homes, the South Bend-Mishawaka Board of Realtors, Mishawaka Building Trades, Penn High School Building Trades and the Economic Club, Michiana Chapter. He was a longtime member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Bend, IN. His personal affiliations include the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Orak Shrine Temple, South Bend Lodge 294 F&AM, and Four Lakes Country Club. He served as a Precinct Committeeman for 10 yearsand was 1st District Finance Chairman for the St. Joseph County Republican Club.
Most will remember John for his wonderful and quirky sense of humor. He was a great story teller, and enjoyed embellishing the stories to include each of his girls. His gift was the ability to make everyone feel at home. Over the years he made many friends while bowling, golfing, traveling, playing poker and going to the casinos.His faith was very important to him. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in himshall not perish but have eternal life". He carried this card and across with him everywhere: The Cross in My Pocket I carry a cross inmy pocket, a simple reminder to me of the fact that I am a Christian,no matter where I may be. This little cross is not magic, nor is it a good luck charm; it isn't meant to protect me from every physical harm. It's not for identification for all the world to see, it simply is an understanding between my Savior and me. When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or key, the cross is there to remind me of the price He paid for me. It reminds me too, to be thankful, for my blessings day by day, and to strive to serve Him better in all that Ido and say. It's also a daily reminder of the peace and comfort I share with all who know my Master and give themselves to His care. So I carry a cross in my pocket, reminding me, no one but me, that JesusChrist is Lord of my life, if only I'll let him be. Just pray to Him today: Dear Jesus, you are Lord, and I believe that God raised you from the dead. Please come into my heart and be my Savior! Forgive me of my sins, and help me love you with all my heart! Amen.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 51490 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637, on Wednesday, January 26, 2011. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m., with the memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m.Following cremation, his ashes will be placed on his father's grave.McGann Hay Granger Chapel assisted the family with the arrangements.In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributionsin John's memory be made to St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church atthe address above.
To send condolences to the family.
08/01/2021 DEC
|