John S. McConnell, 91

John S. McConnell, 91 years old, of Post Falls, Idaho, passed April 25, 2016, in Post Falls of natural causes.

He loved his family and friends and was loved in turn. Life was full of adventures, raising children, camping, baseball games, and helping his children with multiple pets. No wonder he had three sons who became veterinarians. He added more adventure after he raised his children when he and wife Pearl visited many places around the United States. He was highly respected and worked hard to provide for his family and help all his nine children be as successful as possible.

Born May 23, 1924, to Luther G. and Helen Slagle McConnell in Kingston, N.Y. One of five children, Graham S. McConnell, Mary M. Kellock, Helen Spooner and David G. McConnell. Married April 1, 1950, to Virginia Lott (deceased Aug. 15, 1989).

Survived by five children: Virginia H. McConnell of Pullman, Wash.; John S. McConnell, DVM, of Chatteroy, Wash.; Nancy S. Gregory, ARNP, of Pullman, Wash.; Luther G. McConnell, DVM, (Laura) of Chatteroy; and Mark B. McConnell, DVM, (Marybeth) of Eugene, Ore. Married Pearl M. Colhoff on Sept. 15, 1990, and added four more children to the family: Mary Colhoff (Larry) of Libby, Mont.; Laurentia Colhoff, B.S. computer science/finance, (Kerry Campbell) of Orofino, Idaho; Vance Colhoff, B.S. visual communications, of Post Falls; and Noel Colhoff, B.S. drafting, (Julie) of Rio Rancho, Ariz. Nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud.

Graduated from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, N.Y., then received his A.B. from Columbia College, city of New York 1949. Attended Columbia School of Engineering from 1949-1950, Drexel Institute of Technology in 1951 and Temple University school of business in 1952.

He served in the United States Army, ETO with the 301st Eng. Combat Battalion, of 76th Infantry Div. He served under General George Patton, of the Third Army Command, shipped to Reims, France and then “moved through Belgium where we cleaned up and cleared away debris, located and identified mines and traps. Eventually found ourselves entering Luxembourg and wound up at the southern anchor of the so-called ‘Battle of the Bulge’ under the guns of Hitler’s invincible and impenetrable Seigfried line.”

He returned from the European Theatre to complete his education, and then worked in New York as a manufacturer’s representative of heavy construction equipment; hoists, cranes, building bridges and other industrial construction. He ran a successful business with extensive coverage of the East Coast.

His life was spent serving others, his family, church and community. He belonged to several service organizations; Rotary International and was a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association and the American Legion. He belonged to the Free and Accepted Masons for more than 26 years.

He and his wife, Pearl, attended United Community Methodist Church regularly for 18 years, where he was involved in the music program. His love was family and music. He was often heard playing his violin at local care centers with his friend and music partner Katherine Robison, a former USO player.

He will be missed by so many, but especially his family. He was a husband, father, mentor, teacher and friend. He lived a full life and we were blessed to have him in our lives.

Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016, at Community United Methodist Church, 1470 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d’Alene.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Community United Methodist Church, Music Department, or to a charity of your choice. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.