Thomas A. "Tom" Mcconnell

Thomas A. "Tom" McConnell, age 86 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday morning July 15, 2021, at Mayo Clinic ~ St. Mary's Campus in Rochester. Thomas Anthony, the son of Parrill and Gertrude (Steinle) McConnell, was born on July 10, 1935, in Herrin, Illinois. Tom was raised in Revere, Minnesota and graduated from Lamberton High School with the class of 1953. He then continued his education at St. Thomas College where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Biology. In 1960, Tom was drafted into the United States Army and was later granted an Honorable Discharge in 1962. He then began working at Pillsbury Corp. in St. Paul and on July 10, 1964, was united in marriage to Phyllis Edwards. Together, they moved to Winona, MN where Tom began working with Watkins Inc. until moving to Hastings in 1972 after accepting a job with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Tom continued to work with the Office of Agronomy until his retirement in 1998 as Assistant Director. Tom was a diehard fisherman, hunter, and camper. He loved taking family vacations across the United States, and also enjoyed reading, playing cards, and doing crossword puzzles. Tom had a true passion for family genealogy, and in his later years enjoyed going out to eat and finding a good brandy too. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Steven; grandchildren, Matthew McConnell and Jennifer McConnell-Schiller; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Richard Bauman. Tom is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Dave (Lynn) McConnell of Hastings MN, Nancy (David) DesCombes of Morrison CO, Tom McConnell of Balaton MN, and Liz (Tom) Schiller of Hastings MN; sixteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; and by many other relatives and friends. In keeping with Tom's wishes, no formal memorial services will be held. Interment will take place in Lamberton, Minnesota at a later date. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.