Konnie Echo McDermott

MCFARLAND - Konnie Echo McDermott, age 86, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026, after a brief illness due to cancer. Born December 14, 1939, in Webster, Wis., she was the daughter of the late Ronald Edward Kanne and Svea Marie Kanne.

Konnie was a woman of deep faith and a generous spirit. Her life was defined by her love for family, her commitment to serving others, and her unwavering trust in God.

After losing her beloved husband, Vyrl (“Mac”), at the young age of 30, Konnie devoted herself to raising their three daughters. With strength, grace, and determination, she built a life centered on faith, family, and service.

Throughout her life, Konnie served the church in many capacities, including as a Lay Professional and Diaconal Associate with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). A lifelong learner who valued education and personal growth, she earned her bachelor's degree at the age of 50 from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., building upon an Associate Degree in Human Services she had completed in her 30s.

Konnie's faith was reflected not only in her words but also in the countless ways she cared for others. She generously volunteered her time, whether assisting in the classroom at her daughter, Libby's, school or providing transportation for neighbors to appointments, the local food bank, or helping them pursue citizenship. At her home church, Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn., she touched many lives, sharing her faith lovingly and encouraging others in their spiritual journeys.

Konnie also had a delightful sense of humor and a gift for finding joy in everyday moments. Even during her illness, she continued to embrace laughter and bring smiles to those around her. Always eager to stay connected, she pushed herself to use technology, texting with grandchildren regularly and cherishing weekly Zoom calls with her daughters and oldest granddaughter, Cassi.

She is survived by her three daughters, Jody (Brian Baty) McDermott-Baty, Erin (Gary) McDermott Peterson, and Libby (Craig) Rowley; her grandchildren, Cassi (David) McMayer, Riley Peterson, Natalie (Jack) Schutzius, Carter (Bailey) Rowley, Gabe Rowley, and Isaiah (Alyssa Wicks) Rowley; and great-grandchildren, Kayla, Chelsea, Grace, Jane, Michael, Carson, Adalyn, Jonah, and Cora.

She is also survived by her siblings, Gary Kanne, Gayle Dean, and Cheryl Hinz; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Konnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Mac; and her great-grandson, Frank Joseph Schutzius.

Konnie's legacy lives on in the family she loved so dearly, the lives she touched through her kindness, and the faith she shared so generously. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family invites friends and loved ones to Konnie’s Celebration of Life at CHRISTUS VICTOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, 7510 Palomino Drive, Saint Paul, Minn., on Monday, November 16, 2026.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow at the church. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn., half of which will be designated for ELCA World Hunger. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420