The funeral Mass for Geraldine Marie "Gerry" McConnell will be 11:00 a.m. Friday July 27, 2012 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, with Rev. James Russell officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the River Park Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Mrs. McConnell, 92 of Rochester, died of natural causes Tuesday at Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.

Gerry was born May 7, 1920 in Montrose, South Dakota, to Carl and Elsie (Larson) Helgerson. She married William James McConnell on May 1, 1940. Mr. McConnell passed away on May 28, 1980. She retired from Saint Marys Hospital as director of Marion Hall Nursing Residence.

Geraldine was a devoted mother and grandmother. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, crafting, and music. Preparing large holiday meals were her specialty as well as for family gatherings. She enjoyed sharing memories and telling the stories of her life, especially her Norwegian heritage. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, St. John's Alter Society, and The American Legion Auxiliary.

Survivors include; Michael (Susan) of Oronoco, William (Linda) of Rochester, Patrick (Dorothy) of Rochester and Jeanne (William) of Bastrop, Texas; her grandchildren Teresa, Jon, Tim, Dan, Ruth Ann, Mike, and Molly Chaney. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, two brothers, Arnold Helgerson of Albert lea, and Orville (Doretta) Helgerson of Sioux Falls, SD as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter Patricia Ann, and four brothers, Bud, William, Fred, Dude, and two sisters Vera and Jean.

Memorials are preferred to St. John's Catholic Church or Madonna Towers Nursing Home Chapel.