Melvin McConnell

DIXON – Melvin L. McConnell, 73, of Dixon, died Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at KSB Hospital. He was a firefighter with the Dixon City Fire Department for 16 years, retiring as a lieutenant in 1984.

Melvin was born May 19, 1936, in Dixon, to Clara C. McConnell. He married Rita C. Heilgeist on July 28, 1973, in Dixon. She preceded him in death on Feb. 10, 2008. Melvin was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dixon, Dixon Elks Lodge BPOE 779, Dixon Moose Lodge 727, and lifetime honorary member of American Legion Post 12, Dixon.

Survivors include three sons, Michael McConnell of San Diego, Christopher McConnell of Houston, and Patrick (Daisy) McConnell of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two stepsons, Michael (Debra) Miller and William (Gaye) Miller, both of Dixon; one daughter, Kelly (Shawn) Brady of Phoenix; one brother, Walter (Janet) McConnell of Tuscon, Ariz.; one sister, Julia Cover of Dixon; seven grandchildren, Ruby, Jesse, William, and Joseph McConnell, and Shea, Meagan, and Colby Brady; three great-grandchildren, Christian Miller, Austin Vaughn, and Beckham Brady; three stepgrandchildren, Brian (Christina) Miller, Mallory Miller, and Matthew Miller; and one step-great-grandchild, Akaya Miller.

Melvin also was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Earley; and his grandparents.

Memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Dixon, with the Rev. Frank Langholf, pastor, officiating. Burial of cremains will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon.

A memorial has been established to Veterans Memorial Park, Dixon.

Visit www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.