Gerald Joseph Connelly

St. Charles, Gerald Joseph Connelly, 71, of rural St. Charles died Saturday May 7, 2005 at Rochester Methodist Hospital. Gerald was born June 18, 1933 in Lanesboro to Angelo and Margaret (Horihan) Connelly. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in agriculture. Following college he returned to Lanesboro and worked for American Breeders Association, Lanesboro Sales Barn, as a cattle dealer and in electrical construction. On October 25, 1958 Gerald married Mary Kramer at Elba. They settled in Quincy Township of Olmsted County where he was a diversified farmer and received many awards for his cattle. Gerald was a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba. He belonged to many Cattlemen's Associations, enjoyed gardening, was an avid walker and was proud of his Irish heritage. Survivors his wife Mary, eight children, Patrick Connelly of Rochester; Theresa (Bill) Patterson of Olathe, KS; Margaret Connelly of St. Charles; Tim (Angie) Connelly of Byron; Bill (Diane) Connelly of Rochester; Charlie and Jim Connelly, both of St. Charles and Jane Connelly of Overland Park, Kansas, seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren, a brother William (Carol) Connelly and a sister Beth McEnry both of Bloomington. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Mary. A Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM Thursday at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Elba with the Revs. Paul Breza and James Callahan officiating. Burial will follow services in St. Patrick Cemetery in Lanesboro. Friends may call from 4-8 PM Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Home's ? St. Charles Chapel. They may also call one hour before services at the church. There will be a prayer service at 4:15 and a Rosary recited at 8 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Please share a memory of Gerald with his family at www.hofffuneralhomes.com.