John L. Jack McConnell, 80, of Grand Island, NE, died Sunday, July 26, 2015, from complication of a stroke, at the Grand Island Veterans Home with family at his side. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Marys Cathedral. The celebrant is the Rev. Richard L. Piontkowski Jr. Burial will be in the Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 29, 2015, from 5 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Jack was born June 24, 1935, at Chicago, Illinois, the son of Cecil L. & Evelyn R. (Burke) McConnell. Survivors of his immediate family include his wife Beth McConnell of Grand Island, NE One daughter & son-in-law, Laurie & Evan Vulich of Cedar Rapids, Iowa One son, Kevin P. McConnell of Greenville, IL One brother, Michael McConnell of Wood Ridge, Illinois One sister, Marian McConnell of Phoenix, Arizona Others left to cherish his memory are five grandchildren. Jack grew up in Chicago area graduating from St. Procopius Academy in Lisle, IL in 1953. He attended Northwestern University for several years. He worked as a news reporter for City News Bureau in Chicago. He entered the Air Force on June 27, 1956 serving in Korea. His honorable discharge was on March 11, 1960. He married Beth E. McPhillips on June 13, 1959 at St. Patricks Church in Britt, Iowa. He continued in the Air Force Reserve until June 26, 1962. He and his family lived in Streamwood, IL until 1975 and he worked as a passenger agent for United Airlines during that time. In 1975 they moved to Goose Lake, IA where he worked for KCLN radio. He continued in radio broadcasting with KMMJ-Grand Island, KEYL-Long Prairie, MN, Greeley (CO) Broadcasting, United Broadcasting-Scottsbluff, KNOX-Grand Forks, ND, returning to KMMJ in Grand Island in 1978. He retired in 1997. He was an outdoors man, enjoying golfing, fishing, and was active in Boy Scouts. He was a member of St. Marys Cathedral, VFW, and Knights of Columbus. Those welcoming him into heaven include his parents and one infant sister, Mary Sue McConnell. Memorials are suggested to the familys choice. On-line condolences may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Jacks obituary.