Allen W. McConnell

May 5th, 1941 - March 13th, 2024

Allen Wayne McConnell passed away March 13, 2024.

Allen was born on May 5, 1941, in Grafton, ND to Leonard and Gudrun (Matthiasson) McConnell. He was the youngest of four boys. He attended country school through eighth grade, and high school in Drayton, ND, where he played basketball and the saxophone. He attended University of North Dakota, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting. He was also a CPA, a Mason, and a Shriner.

He taught accounting for 50 years at the University of Northern Colorado. At various times he was chairman of the Accounting Department, earning its AACSB International Accreditation under his direction. During his tenure at UNC, he touched the lives of many students and colleagues. He was a favorite professor among students, known for being tough, fair, helpful, and kind. He was often instrumental in placing students in their first jobs, and delighted in keeping in touch with them as their careers took off and they started families. He ran into former students everywhere he went, including Hawaii, Disney World, and Bronco games. In addition to teaching, he had an accounting firm and prepared his clients’ taxes for many years.

Allen’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He married his sweetheart, Carol on August 25, 1963. Together they had three children, Stephanie, Matthew, and James. His granddaughter Tristan, and grandsons Jack and Owen adored him as much as he adored them. He was an active and involved father and Papa, attending every game, concert, and performance.

Allen was a big fan of the Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, and UNC Bears, regardless of whether they were winning or losing. He enjoyed tailgating and attending games. In more recent years he enjoyed going to coffee with Carol and with friends. The Coffee Bar at Charley’s was his favorite hangout.

He made an annual trip to North Dakota to celebrate Icelandic Independence Day. “The Deuce” was a time to visit extended family and celebrate his Icelandic heritage.

Allen was also a loyal friend, always ready to offer a listening ear or a helping hand to those in need. His presence brightened the lives of all who knew him, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Allen is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carol (Anderson) McConnell, his children Stephanie (Chris) Hughes and James (Jenny Frank) McConnell, and his three grandchildren. His brothers James (Frances) McConnell, William (Ruth) McConnell, sister-in-law Gayle McConnell, brother- and sister-in-law Larry and Candy Walters, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Gudrun McConnell, his son Matthew McConnell, and his brother Richard McConnell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, March 16 at the First United Methodist Church in Greeley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriner’s Hospitals, and the Matthew A. McConnell Memorial Scholarship. Allen would also appreciate random acts of kindness being done in his memory.

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Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Allen’s life with a heartfelt message.

Brother Erik

Dear McConnell family, My deepest condolences to your family and friends during this most difficult time. There are no words that can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved. May you find comfort and peace in knowing that your loved one is remembered by God, because those who pass on are precious in His eyes. -Psalm116:15 Enjoy and cherish the memories that made him special. Carry the lessons that were between just you two and continue each day knowing that the best way to honor someone is to pass forward something they gave you to make you a better person. The scriptures always give us comfort in our weakest moments and even shows us Gods loving plan for those we love that have entered rest. For comfort from the Bible please visit https://bit.ly/truthlifedeath Take peace.

Published March 19th, 2024

Martin Jones

I enjoyed socializing with Allen at many Colorado Society of CPA events. He always had a smile, and was very outgoing. He well be missed. Marty Jones, CPA

Published March 16th, 2024

Allen Jost

40 years ago, when I was a graduate assistant in the School of Business, Al was the kindest, most pleasant faculty member. He certainly deserved his reputation as a great teacher. To his family, please accept my sincerest condolences.

Published March 16th, 2024

Brian Wagner

I was an accounting student of Professor McConnell. I will never forget him for many reasons; the first memory that comes to mind is him sharing his home phone number on the first day of class each semester - this was before cell phones - and saying if anyone had too much to drink to give him a call. Didn't matter day or night, his life experience had caused him to take action and didn't want people driving under the influence. I didn't have many professors that cared or made the impact that Professor McConnell did. Rest easy, professor.

Published March 14th, 2024

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