Gerald R Connelly

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, MN 56001
507-388-2202

Gerald Ray Connelly, age74, of Fairmont and formerly of Mankato died Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 6, 2013 at Grace Baptist Church in Mankato with Pastor John Michel officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at Mankato Mortuary as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at Minneopa Cemetery, rural Mankato.

Gerald Ray was born June 15, 1938 to Michael and Fern (Cleveland) Connelly in Mankato. Growing up he attended school in Mankato and graduated from Mankato West in 1956.

Gerald was united in marriage to Judith Gillette in January of 1960. Judith preceded him in death in 1968. He married Nedra Lamb on May 29, 1970.

Gerald proudly served his country as a member of the US Air Force. He was honorably discharged on February 7, 1961. Gerald worked for U-Haul, Pepsi and Surge Dairy Equipment before his employment at Hog Slat. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Mankato. Gerald enjoyed being outdoors, especially spending time hunting and fishing. He had a special place in his heart for dogs and horses. Gerald had great talent in woodworking. Spending time with his children and their families was most important to him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nedra Connelly of Fairmont; children: Jeff (Kelly) Connelly of Lansing, MN, Mary McKinley of Gaylord, MN, Carrie (Rick Seath) Thorstenson of Geneva, MN, and Lori (Joe) of Virginia; Cassie Connelly; grandchildren: Kyle, Kirsten, Cory, Brian, Adam, Sarah, Jennifer, Stacy, Josh, Amanda and Brandi; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: Adeline Hanson, Marguerite Burns, and Joanne (Seig) Mathistad; brother, Jack (Pat) Connelly; other extended family and many friends.

Gerald was preceded in death by his first wife, Judith; parents; and siblings: Donald, Lorraine, Dorothy, and Loreene.