Dwight Franklin McConnell, age 93, a resident of Ely, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at the Boundary Waters Care Center on April 22, 2024. He was born on May 18, 1930, to Ruth and Melvin McConnell, in Alhambra, California. He graduated from Madison West H.S. in Wisconsin and received his master’s degree in geology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1953. 

On August 1, 1953, Dwight married Alice Jean Hugh, his beloved wife of 55 years. Their first adventurous experience with Ely was in the BWCA on their honeymoon canoe trip.

While Dwight worked as a geologist in his early work career, he and Alice moved their family of 4 young children to five states in the US and Canada. Following a 7-month position in Arabia, Dwight began a new career in 1962 with Prudential Life Insurance Company where he continued for 30 years. During that time, he and Alice moved from the Chicago area to Minneapolis to Ames. Their final move was to Ely in 1979, eventually choosing Ely as their place of retirement where Dwight became an active member of the community for the next 45 years.

Known for his ready smile, Dwight expressed his friendly interest in people’s lives through volunteering in food shelves and the school, mentoring and tutoring young people and his involvement in Ely’s Northwoods Partners. He loved to share his passion for music, playing his trumpet, bagpipes and harmonica for any occasion and at any time. 

Dwight will be fondly remembered for his generosity, kind heartedness, his sense of humor and his many stories. He lived a full and adventurous life, from learning to fly as a teenager and piloting his single engine Cessna into his 80’s (and willing to treat anyone to a flight with him), to fishing, boating, reading, writing and reciting poetry and prose, learning how to and building his own log cabin, baking sourdough bread, making blueberry jelly, scuba diving, welding, sailing, hiking, traveling with his dogs, and always open to the next adventure. In all, he lived by his mantra, “God is my Co-pilot.”

Dwight deeply valued his family, cherishing his bond with his daughters and their families. These brought him great joy and fulfillment over the years.

Dwight is survived by two daughters and their families, six grandchildren and their families: Cindy (Tom) Noble, Benjamin, Alex (Cami); Debbie (Neil aka Rudy) Okerlund, Jesse, Phoebe (Bryan), Rachael (Ken), Jacob; Cousins: Carol (Ron), Emily, Mark, Joann, Trish; Great grandchildren: Skylar, Braylen, Sadie; and a vast community of friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Alice, son Roland, and daughter Cheri.

Dwight and his family are deeply grateful for the steadfast care and endearing friendship the staff and residents of the Boundary Waters Care Center gave him these past two years. We are also grateful for the tender and immediate attention given by the Hospice staff who provided comfort to Dwight and his family during his final week.

Dwight’s memory will remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private graveside memorial service was held on Memorial Day weekend. A Celebration of Life for his community, friends, and extended family is planned for Sunday, July 14, 12:30 pm, at the Grand Ely Lodge.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.