Visitation: Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.
Service: DUE TO THE EXPECTED SNOWSTORM, WESLEY’S FUNERAL HAS BEEN MOVED TO 2:00 P.M. MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025 AT CANTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH.
Due to the expected snowstorm, Wesley’s funeral has been moved to 2:00 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2025 at Canton United Methodist Church. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service.
Wesley “Wes” McConnell, age 83, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025 surrounded by his family at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Canton United Methodist Church in Canton, SD. Family will greet visitors one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be directed to Canton United Methodist Church.
Wes was born on September 30, 1942 to Eugene and Geneva McConnell in Stanton, IA. Wes graduated from Elliott High School in Elliott, IA in 1961. Elliott High School is also where he met his future wife, Betty. The couple was married on October 27, 1962 in Elliott, IA. The couple made their home in Storm Lake, IA while Wes attended Buena Vista University. The family lived in several places before settling in Canton, SD in 1975
After obtaining a Biology Degree, Wes began teaching high school. Wes furthered his education by earning a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University. He then began teaching at Dubuque University. Wes concluded his working career in Agronomy and Ag Sales Management, retiring in 2004.
In his spare time, Wes enjoyed gardening, watching sports, telling stories, and spending time with his family, especially attended his grandchildren’s activities. He was also a 50-year member of Canton United Methodist Church, longtime leader of the annual Methodist Turkey Supper, and a past Lion’s Club member.
Wes will be remembered as an honest, hardworking man who loved his family deeply and motivated people to do and be their best.
Wes is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty; son, Mark (Sharon) McConnell; daughter, Marla (Terry) Woessner; grandchildren, Nicky (Stephen) Bussell, Natalie (Brandon) Gray, Sam McConnell, Gabie McConnell, Madysen Woessner, Skyler (Keiana) Stansell, Megan (Jake) Rinish, and Melissa (Colby) Reynolds; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Stanley (Phyllis) McConnell; along with numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy (Richard) Pierson.
Betty, Mark & Marla
My condolences on Wes’ passing. I always enjoyed be around him; including holidays and when you stopped by our home in Des Moines. He always had good insights. He will be missed.
Betty, Mark & Marla
My condolences on Wes’ passing. I always enjoyed be around him; including holidays and when you stopped by our home in Des Moines. He always had good insights. He will be missed.
Sorry for the loss of your dear husband. He will be missed. Take care…Janet Timmerman
So sorry for your loss, Betty. I am sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I have missed seeing him work in his garden. I know how special that was to y’all.
So sorry to hear about Wes. He was a kind man who always had a smile on his face and vegetables to share from his garden.
Wes was one of the great ones, such a kind man. Thinking of you Betty and your family, during this difficult time.