Larry McConnell, 92

Lawrence Francis McConnell, age 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 21, 2024.

Larry was born in Beal City, Michigan, the third of Maurice and Kathleen McConnell’s four children. He was raised in a large Irish community just north of Rosebush, Michigan, attended Sacred Heart Academy, and was the most devout Catholic most if not all around him knew.

Larry attended Central Michigan University, achieving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and later a PhD from Michigan State University. After serving as a Military Intelligence Specialist in the United States Army and serving in Korea, Larry returned home to marry Patricia (Hubbell) McConnell on September 1, 1956. Together they created a large Irish family with four girls and two boys, one of whom was adopted because they were unable to turn away from a child in need.

Larry dedicated his career to educating the youth, progressing from chemistry teacher to superintendent of schools and at one time was the youngest superintendent in the state of Michigan. He spent the last 18 years of his career serving as superintendent of schools in Sturgis, where he and Patricia retired to their dream lake house. That house was the setting of a multitude of family gatherings for every holiday, long weekend, and birthday, yielding the sweet fruit of their earlier labor in their retirement years. When Patricia passed away after 48 years of marriage, Larry later marred Marjorie (Brand) McConnell who provided him with great comfort and companionship later in life.

As part of his walk in faith, Larry served on the board of directors of Thurston Woods Villages, president, board member and member of Sturgis Rotary Club, was a hospice volunteer, and built homes through Habitat for Humanity. He was a pillar of the community and a friend to all.

Larry is survived by five of his five children, Kathleen (McConnell) Gotz, Karen McConnell, Brian McConnell, Maureen McConnell, and Amy (McConnell) Haines; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his two wives, Patricia (Hubbell) McConnell, Marjorie (Brand) McConnell, his son Leland McConnell, his brothers Daniel McConnell and Tyrone McConnell and his sister Maureen (McConnell) Wardrop. May he rest in the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ for eternity.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis who is entrusted with the arrangements.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.