Joseph W. Connelly
Friday, December 16, 1938
Date of Death:
Monday, May 9, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Visitation
Date: Tuesday May 17, 2022
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Memorial Mass
Date: Tuesday May 17, 2022
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Pax Christi Catholic Church [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Byron Cemetery
Streaming Information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuNu6XDc4JQ&list=PL_aIeGCWzv09QaGIWlcwxTFKe5ms1Srcc
Friday, December 16, 1938
Date of Death:
Monday, May 9, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Friday, December 16, 1938
Date of Death:
Monday, May 9, 2022
Age:
83 years old
Joseph W. Connelly
Joseph William Connelly, 83, died Monday, May 9, 2022, at Methodist Hospital. Joe was born December 16, 1938, in Rochester, MN, to Paul and Myrle (Campion) Connelly. He grew up on a farm in the Salem Corners area. Joe graduated from Lourdes High School in 1956. On September 3, 1960, he married Karen Jones at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa. They lived in Rochester and then moved to a farm near Douglas in 1965 where they lived and farmed for 40 years before retiring and returning to Rochester.
Joe started working at Rochester Methodist Hospital in 1956 and retired from the Mayo Clinic in 1994 after 37 years. He served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1957 until 1971 attaining the rank of First Lieutenant. Joe belonged to the Byron American Legion for 42 years. He was active in the farming community and held leadership positions on multiple boards.
Joe and Karen faithfully supported each other throughout their 62 years of marriage. Karen was always by his side and their lifetime of loving, caring and sharing was an inspiration to us all. He was a dedicated father to his children and is loved dearly by them. He is survived by his loving wife Karen, their six children Theresa (Kelly) Daily, Sheila Cornelius, Pat (Melodie) Connelly, Brian (Terrie) Connelly, Diane (Christopher) Gowan, and Jodi Connelly. Joe is also survived by his siblings Jerry Connelly, his twin John (Jacquie) Connelly, sister-in-law Nancy Connelly, Bill (Dorothy) Connelly, Mary Ann (Terry) Schaefer, Sharon (Brian) Utley, and Jim (Marilyn) Connelly. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Myrle Connelly, his son-in-law Dirk Cornelius, his brothers Paul and Bob Connelly, and sister-in-law Marge Connelly.
He adored his ten grandchildren Brad, Adam, Will, Sara, Allison, Elaine, Courtney, Sydney, Conner, and Tyler, and three great grandchildren. One of Joe’s favorite past-times was attending sporting events for his grandchildren.
Joe will be especially remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. Pairing this with his relentless work ethic and honesty, he was truly an incredible man. His favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day as he was an Irishman to his core. Joe was a farmer who loved the land and was most happy in the tractor planting crops. He was able to farm through the last harvest season of his life with his son and grandson.
The memorial Mass will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Pax Christi Catholic Church with Rev. Shawn Haremza officiating. Burial will be in the Byron Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.
Condolences
The family of Joseph W. Connelly has received the following condolences.
Joe was the most encouraging person I have ever worked with. Often I heard, "You do good work, (name of individual), you do good work." Encouraging and inspiring Joe--from my view a good and faithful servant. The world will miss Joe Connelly.
My wife JoAnn and I truly loved this man as we do the entire family. Joe, Karen and the children are a wonderful family. I first met Joe from the other side of his desk at Rochester Methodist Hospital. I was a sales representative and he was the buyer of my product line. It was always a pleasure working with Joe and I must say he was a fun guy to work with. I have many stories which I will cherish in my heart of my dealings with Joe. Many of Joe and Karen's daughters babysat for our two daughters and we must say they raised a great family. Joe made the world a better place with his sense of humor, work ethic, friendliness, outgoing personality, warmth, I could go on but suffice it to say that heaven has gained a real gem. We will always remember Joe and will miss him greatly. May God give comfort to his family and all who knew him.
Karen and family,
Sorry to hear about Joe.
Sending prayers.
Karen, our sincere sympathies to you and your family. We are so sorry to learn of Joe passing. Dave enjoyed working with Joe. Also, following a lot of what he was doing out on the farm. We both were happy to know you Karen. You were a special couple with a nice family. We know Joe will be missed. Blessings and love. Dave and Betty
Karen and family,
I had the pleasure to work with Joe over the years within Material Management and enjoyed the qualities that Joe brought to his job everyday. He was true reflection of the model employee that the Methodist Hospital aspired to have on staff. He was an employee that would help anyone in their role and always brought laughter and joy to the work day. After his retirement I continued to visit and converse with Joe and Karen while they were out and about. Those conversations always made me feel good and reminded me that are still so many good quality people in the world that truly care. My prayers, thoughts and blessings go out to you Karen and the entire family. God is blessed to have another Irishman in heaven to make sure that Heaven is in good hands.
Jeff Wills
Karen and family,
I had the pleasure to work with Joe over the years within Material Management and enjoyed the qualities that Joe brought to his job everyday. He was true reflection of the model employee that the Methodist Hospital aspired to have on staff. He was an employee that would help anyone in their role and always brought laughter and joy to the work day. After his retirement I continued to visit and converse with Joe and Karen while they were out and about. Those conversations always made me feel good and reminded me that are still so many good quality people in the world that truly care. My prayers, thoughts and blessings go out to you Karen and the entire family. God is blessed to have another Irishman in heaven to make sure that Heaven is in good hands.
Jeff Wills