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Henry K. "Van" McConnon, 87, died on November 8, 2026, in Erie, Pennsylvania. Born in Winona, Minnesota, to Henry and Beverly McConnon, he attended Cotter High School before serving in the military in Germany. He subsequently worked for the U.S. Department of Defense, graduated from the University of Minnesota, and helped organize hospital workers in Pennsylvania.
In 1967, Van was one of five founders of Fastenal Company, managing its first store and helping establish its direct-sales approach. He served on its board of directors from 1968 to 2009. In 1975, he founded Wise Eyes, Inc., which grew from its first optical store in State College to 26 locations throughout Pennsylvania. His later entrepreneurial ventures included hotels, restaurants, and real estate development in Chautauqua County, New York.
Despite his accomplishments, Van preferred to attribute his success to what he called "the luck of the draw." He cherished his family, his enduring friendships, and the summers spent sailing on Chautauqua Lake. He was also a generous supporter of charitable causes, including The Carter Center.
Van is survived by his daughter, Tara (John) Gerber of Mayville, NY, and a son, Kenevan McConnon of State College, PA, eight grandchildren, Anna Gerber, John Henry (Ciara) Gerber, David Gerber, Elijah Gerber, Aaron Gerber, Fiona McConnon, Camille McConnon, and Alan McConnon, one great grandchild, Vivian, one brother, Patrick (Kate) McConnon of Denver, CO, two sisters, Mary McConnon, of CA, and Kathleen McConnon, of OR, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great partner and loving wife, Wilma Buchholtz McConnon, whom he married on July 28, 1972, and a sister, Jane McConnon Factor.
The funeral will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at the Freay Funeral Home in Mayville, NY (139 S. Erie St). The Rev. J.J. Dennis Moncuso will officiate. Burial will be in the Mayville Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1-3 and 5-7 PM on Wednesday, November 18, at the funeral home.
Memorial donations can be made to a local veterans organization of choice or at the Jimmy Carter Foundation's Global Health Programs.
To leave a remembrance or to post condolences to the family, please visit freayfuneralhome.com