Nolan Clarence McConnell

Nolan Clarence McConnell, age 80, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System, Austin.

Nolan was born May 22, 1946, in Warsaw, Indiana, to Roger and Bessie (Snellenberger) McConnell. He graduated from Berkey High School in Berkey, Ohio in 1964.

On May 7, 1983, Nolan was united in marriage to Bonnie Olson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Rubicon, Wisconsin.

Nolan spent 20 years on the road as a long-haul truck driver, a career that paved the way for his next chapter. He transitioned into education, becoming an instructor in the Truck Driving Program at Riverland Community College, where he eventually retired. Nolan took immense pride in mentoring and training the next generation of professional drivers.

Outside of work, Nolan was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his friends from the Riverland Technical Group. Above all else, his greatest joy was making lasting memories with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Nolan is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Heidi McConnell and Susan Olson; his son, Michael Olson; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Bessie McConnell; his son, Jerry Olson; his sisters, Carolyn Pat (John) Stookey, Dorcus Ann (Elgin “Kip”) Kipper, Linda Lou (Ken) Kauffman and (Dean) Hair, Sue Ellen McConnell, and Gretchen Elaine McConnell; and his brothers, Glen Robert (Fannie) McConnell, Wallace David (Joy and Dotie) McConnell, and John Lawrence (Joyce, Cora, Ethel and Janice) McConnell.

It was Nolan’s wish to donate his body to the Mayo Clinic Body Donation Program.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday July 18, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. Visitation will take place one hour prior.

Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.