On October 6, 2016, Father Donald Francis Connelly joined his Heavenly Father after passing away at Mayo Clinic Hospice.

Fr. Don was born February 24, 1933 in Rochester, MN to Leo and Mayme Connelly.  He did his college seminary studies at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona.  Fr. Don completed his theology studies at St. Paul Seminary.   He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Winona on May 31, 1958 at St. John's Catholic Church in Rochester.  During his Seminary years he spent his summers at home farming with his dad Leo, uncle Chris, and brother Leo.

Fr. Don served in eight parish assignments and as chaplain at St. Mary's Hospital during his fifty-eight years as a priest.  He served as an associate pastor of Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, and St. Catherine's Church in Luverne.  He then served as pastor of St. Anthony in Lismore and Mission at St. Kilian, St. John Vianney in Fairmont, St. Mary's in Winona, St. Peters in Rose Creek, Queen of Peace in Lyle, and St. Joachim's in Plainview.  He was granted senior priest status on June 30, 2004.

From 2004-2007, he served as a priest chaplain at St. Elizabeth's Health Care Center in Wabasha.  He also performed weekend parish ministries in local parishes.  Fr. Don was also involved in many other ministries for the Diocese.  He served four years on the Priests' Advisory Council, eight years as a member of the board of directors for Catholic Charities, ten years as a priest advocate on the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal, as Chaplain for Teams of Our Lady, and for the Knights of Columbus.

Fr. Don enjoyed traveling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.  As time allowed he spent time on his family home farm west of Rochester which held a special place in his heart.

Fr. Don is survived by his sisters, Sister MaryLou Connelly, and Eunice (Alfred) Dols; nine nieces and nephews; and sixteen great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Mayme Connelly, and brother Leo (Marge) Connelly.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1:30PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Rochester, MN with Bishop John M. Quinn celebrating and the Priests' of Winona Diocese concelebrating.  Visitation will be from 5-8 pm at the Church on Monday, October 10 th and an hour before the service.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.