On Dec. 2, 2023, Bill, 82, of Onalaska, slipped peacefully into the waiting arms of those who had passed before him, surrounded by his loving family, at home.
Francis William "Bill" McConnell was born July 10, 1941, in Mason City, Iowa, the son of Paul and Elva McConnell.
Bill loved nothing better than to spend the day fishing, trying to catch the "big one," or hunting the ever-elusive deer and elk, chasing the little white ball down the fairway at his favorite golf course or a rousing game of Texas Hold ’Em. On Sundays during football season, he was always channel surfing from one game to another, never cheering full on for any certain team but was always happy when his team won.
But the greatest loves of Bill's life were his family and friends, whom he loved wholeheartedly and without reservation. Bill was the father that you could always call on or go to no matter the situation, and he was there with a solution. When he became a grandfather, a whole new joy was brought to his life. You could always find him outdoors showing the kids how to ride ATVs and the riding lawn mower, whipping them around on the innertube out on the lake, teaching them the skills of hunting and fishing and much more. He was the great grandpa that would slip the kids that extra piece of candy when nobody was looking and the first person the kids would run to when he walked into a room. Bill loved going on trips with his wife and hunting for new casinos together. Their love for each other was a very special kind of love.
Bill was truly one of the strongest men. He was dealt a life full of obstacles that he always overcame and never dwelled on or complained about. His infectious smile and laugh will live on forever.
Bill is survived by his wife, Roberta, at the family home; daughters, Tina (John) Ward, Gina McConnell; son Greg McConnell; stepdaughter, Jennifer Romer; stepsons, Chris (Jessi) Romer and Sonny (Nicole) Romer; siblings Hattie Wilcox, Betty Hill, Beverly (Ed) Klavins and Paul (Star) McConnell; 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Sonny Robinson, Walter "Junior" Atkinson and Donald McConnell; sisters Lottie Aldini and Carolyn Fetters; son Billy McConnell; and brothers-in-law Ronnie Hill and Ivan Fetters.
A private family celebration of life for Bill will be held at a later date.
