William E. (Billy) Connelly passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. Marys Hospital.  He was born on September 16, 1942, in Rochester, MN to Paul and Myrle Connelly and was one of nine children raised on the farm.

He graduated from Lourdes High School in 1960 and went on to join the Army National Guard for six years.  He returned to farming life with his brothers for many years with a love of the land.  Bill married Linda Allen on August 17, 1974. They were married for eighteen years and have two children, Kari and Christopher.  Eventually, he left farming and joined the Local 34 Heat and Frost Insulators Union for twenty plus years.

He married Dorothy Carpenter on March 17, 2000. Retired at age 70.  He was a long-standing member of the Byron American Legion.  Bill was a true Irishman who loved to laugh and tell jokes.  He had many stories to share.  He was generous with his time, always giving and caring with a big heart.

Bill adored his grandchildren and loved time spent with them, especially going to DQ for ice cream.  He spent his remaining years helping family, friends, and neighbors.  Enjoyed driving his convertible along with going to the river and boating.  He had a love for life and people he met along the way.  If you didn't know Bill Connelly when he entered the room, you knew him when he left.

He is survived by his children Kari (Jeremy) Bassett and Christopher (Elizabeth) Connelly, step-children Mike (Linda) Carpenter, Laura (Eric) Sufka, Jennifer Carpenter (Steve), five grandchildren Ean Bassett, Abigail Bassett, Braeden Bassett, Aidan Connelly and Kennedy Connelly, seven step-grandchildren Hailey Blaschko, Grace Carpenter, Isabelle Carpenter, William Carpenter, Ayla Sufka, Hudson Sufka, and Lincoln Sufka, two sisters Mary Ann (Terry) Schaefer, Sharon (Brian) Utley and brother Jim (Marilyn) Connelly. Sisters-in-law Jacquie, Karen, and Nancy.

He was preceded in death by five brothers, Jerry, John, Joe, Paul, and Bob and sister-in-law Margaret.  His wife Dorothy passed away on December 21, 2024. Bill and Dorothy were married for 24 years.

Memorial service will be held 11 am Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester.  Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service.  The burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.