McCoy, Wesley J. "Wes" August 27, 1924 to April 29, 2020 Age 95, of Edina, passed away peacefully after a short illness. Wes could brighten your day with his jovial smile, gregarious personality, and storytelling abilities. He was dedicated to God, his family and his country, and was rarely seen without one of his favorite Marine hats.

Wes was born August 27, 1924 to Louise and Edward N. McCoy, and raised on a farm, without plumbing or electricity in Larimore, ND. This shaped his unmatched work ethic, discipline, and appreciation for simple pleasures, which would serve him throughout his life. He graduated from the 1st rural consolidated school in North Dakota; offering grades 1-12. He attended North Dakota State University, before serving in WWII, and obtained his degree in 1948, after his return from the service. He was a member of the 1st Marine Division and fought in Okinawa. Wes was one of six, from his platoon of sixty, to survive that battle. This was a defining moment in Wes' life. Having lived through the horrors of war, he realized he could overcome any obstacle faced in life, and remained an optimist. Being a natural speaker, he spoke to many classrooms and civic organization during his retirement about his WWII experiences; feeling it was important to share this history. In 1949, he married Mary (Schmit). They raised 5 children and enjoyed many social gatherings with their large extended family. Mary and Wes traveled to Hawaii, Spain and Ireland during their early retirement years, until Mary's untimely death in 1996. Wes' career began in Benson, MN/Swift County as a county agent. He wrote an award winning weekly newspaper column and was proud of implementing the first Shelterbelt program in Minnesota. Dow Chemical Company recruited him to join their Agriculture sales team, where he remained for 37 years. Wes relocated his family to Minneapolis, MN, Midland, MI, and completed his career in Edina, MN in 1989. He held many positions within Dow and was recognized as an industry expert for his product knowledge, selling skills, relationship building with customers, and mentoring colleagues. He had an eye for talent and hired many, who rose through the ranks of Dow, and remained in touch until his death.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, brother Edward McCoy, sister Opal Taylor, wife Mary (Schmit) McCoy and great granddaughter Wynne Mateffy. Survived by 5 children; Pat McCoy (Julie), Colleen Deppa (Bill), Joan McCoy, Steve McCoy (Debbie), Kevin McCoy (Anne), 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, with 2 on the way, and a large extended family.

Special thanks to Dr. Randon Woodworth for many years of dedicated care and to the staff at Abbott NW Hospital.

A private funeral Mass will take place at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina, MN. A live stream video of the Mass can be viewed on Friday, May 8, at 10:30 AM at olgparish.org/olg-news-events/… Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or a charity of choice. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Published on May 3, 2020