Ethel Christine McConnell

Eyota,Ethel C. McConnell, 89, of Winona and formerly of Eyota and St. Charles died Tuesday afternoon at her home in Winona. Ethel was born March 13, 1923 in Pipestone, MN to John and Anna (Hass) Kindt. She grew up in the Pipestone/ Jasper area. After graduating high school, she moved to Rochester to seek employment. Ethel married Fabian McConnell on November 22, 1943 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Rochester. In the beginning of their married life, they farmed for 6 years on the Sam McConnell farm in Orion Township of Olmsted County. They also farmed south of Eyota. Ethel, Fabian and their family resided in the Eyota and Chester townships for several years. Ethel retired from the United States Post Office after having served in the post offices of Eyota and Rochester. In 1993 the couple moved to St. Charles. In their retirement, Ethel and Fabian enjoyed spending the winter months in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Fabian died in 2001. She has lived in Winona for the past few years. She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles. Ethel was an avid bridge player. She enjoyed playing cards with her "Bridge Ladies". One of the groups she played cards with on a regular basis for over fifty years was affectionately known as the "Golden Girls". Survivors include five children; Vince (Shirley) McConnell of Eyota, Gretchen (David) Nesler of Dover, Becky McConnell of Winona, Tony (Heather) McConnell of Rochester and Sarah McConnell of Moscow, Russia, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, a sister Delores "Tootie" Falk and a brother Milton "Poots" (Billie) Kindt both of Jasper, a sister-in-law Shirley Kindt of Ortonville and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Fabian, her son Tim, her granddaughter Jenny Nesler, one brother and two sisters. A Funeral Mass will be 11AM Friday at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Kurt Farrell officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Redeemer Catholic Cemetery in Eyota. Friends may call from 5-8PM Thursday at Hoff Funeral Service in St. Charles. They may also call one hour before services at the church. Please share a memory of Ethel on her on-line Guest Book and view her Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/315637