Edwin Dick McConnell, age 87, of Early, Iowa, died August 24, 2024, at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake.

Services will be held at a later date. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.

Dick McConnell was born October 20, 1936, to Milford and Virginia (Wycoff) McConnell in Manning, Iowa. He grew up attending Iowa No. 7 and Jefferson No. 2 country schools and graduating in Manning in 1955. Dick served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958.

Dick was united in marriage to Janice Petersen on October 12, 1956, in Manning, Iowa. To this union, four children were born: Rodney McConnell, Julie Bloyer, Kristen McConnell, and Corey McConnell.

Dick loved his family, dogs, Chiefs Football and his work. He spent most of his adult life as a contractor/carpenter. There are countless projects in and around the area that include homes and agricultural buildings that display his creativity and craftsmanship. Later in his career he became involved with the construction of log structures, which he loved. They included homes, city offices and a restaurant/event center in Iowa and as far away as Illinois, New Jersey, and Arizona. His greatest joy on this earth was the many adventures with his children and especially the love of his life Jan, who he had dearly missed and is now reunited. He will be missed.

Left to cherish Dick's memory includes his children: Rodney (Linda) McConnell of Memphis, Tennessee; Julie (Larry) Bloyer of Schaller, Iowa; Corey (Cindy) McConnell of Sioux City, Iowa; brother: Ronald McConnell of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Scott (Elizabeth) Sandborn; Kenneth (Barbara) Sandborn; Nikki (Aaron) McConnell; Rand McConnell; Jill (Jeremy) Bainbridge; David Bloyer; Jeffrey (Brianna) Witzke; Justin (Jennifer) Witzke; Monica (Mat) Branhorst; Kate (Brian) VanBuskirk; Kasey (Josh) McConnell; Karlee (Chris) McConnell; Kyle (Veronica) McConnell; Christopher McConnell; 21 great grandchildren; extended family and friends.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Virginia McConnell; beloved wife, Janice McConnell; and infant daughter, Kristen McConnell.