Memorial Service For Patrick McConnell

Patrick (Pat) McConnell, age 71, of O’Neill passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in the loving care of his family at home.

A Memorial Gathering of Friends and Family will be held on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 5 to 8 PM with a 7 PM Prayer Service, Pastor Wayne Owens officiating and Military Honors by the O’Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93, at Biglin’s Mortuary in O’Neill.

Pat was born on December 10, 1944 to Audrey and Howard McConnell. He attended rural school and O’Neill Public High School. Pat married Cheri (Barnes) Jurgensmeier on November 25, 1974 at the United Methodist Church in Atkinson, NE. On October 4, 1991 they renewed their wedding vows at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Atkinson, NE.

Pat worked for Shane Farms for 20 plus years as a truck driver, prior to Shane Farms Pat worked in the irrigation field for Valley, Olson Irrigation and Zimmatic Irrigation which enabled him to travel to many foreign countries including 4 years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia working for Arieb Agriculture as crew chief and district manager, trouble shooting Zimmatic systems.

His Travels also took him to Spain, Canada and Mexico.

Pat loved the outdoors, he was an avid hunter and fisherman and his love for guns of all types led him into black powder and joining the Upper Missouri Muzzleloaders.

He enjoyed going on rendezvous, shooting, camping and the comradery of his fellow sportsman and learning all the trades of past generations.

Pat rarely met a stranger. He loved life and all that came with it. His wit, kindness and sense of humor will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Cheri, 2 stepdaughters; Denise Jurgensmeier of Brooklyn Park, MN, Pamela (Rudy) Muniz of Sioux City, IA, 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Jason) Beaty of Sioux City, IA, Megan (Marcus) Dickerson of Brighton, CO, Dominique (Taylor) Perryman of Sioux City, IA, Mike Sanderson of Sioux City, IA, 6 great grandchildren, Meredith and Sylar Beaty, Jazlynn and Mila Dickerson, Drake and Dreyson Perryman. 1 sister, Kathy Pongratz of O’Neill, 2 brothers; Jay (Ellen) McConnell of Livingston, TX, Larry (Beverly) McConnell of Chambers, NE, step brother, Jim (Mary) Kruse of Salt Lake City, UT, and one uncle, John (Ella Mae) Gilster of Filer, ID, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Caring neighbors and many friends and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Kruse, his father Howard McConnell, brother in law, Duane Pongratz and step father Lauren Kruse.

A special thanks to Jack Reiman Pats youngest oldest friend who brought so much joy and life to Pat on his final journey.
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Thank you and blessings to Ascera Care Hospice for the wonderful care, concern and comfort they brought to us both and much gratitude and love to Pata Masseuse, Jan Nichols.

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