March 3, 1953 - April 17, 2016
Don Christian Connelly beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother passed away peacefully at his home in St. Paul on Sunday, April 17, 2016. He was born March 3, 1953 in Tracy, Minnesota to Christian and Genevieve (Freitag) Connelly.
Don attended school in Marshall, Minnesota where he lettered in wrestling. While he was in high school he was a member of the Luther league and was very active in that organization. After high school he went to Alexandria Technical College and received a degree in computer programming. Upon graduation, he gained employment in the banking industry. Eventually, through a company buy out he ended up working for US Bank and stayed with them for 37 years.
Don married his first love, Deb Acken, on July 19, 1997 after they reconnected and became reacquainted for the third time.
In Don’s free time, he enjoyed playing broom ball, softball and was on the US Bank’s golf team. He also enjoyed going fishing. Outside of work he played broom ball, softball, and fishing. Don also enjoyed games that involved strategy such as chess and cribbage.
Don is survived by his wife, Deb (Acken), two sons, Robert and Johnathan, daughters, Shannon Elwood (Gary), Sarah (Scott) Vaneps, Karen (Thomas) Price, sisters, Susan (Eugene) Strippling, Judy Williams (Carlos), Mary Connelly (Wayne), and brothers, Gary Connelly, William Connelly, 9 grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, David Connelly, a grandson, Brian Vaneps, and father-in-law, Bob Acken
A celebration of his life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel at 2335 Edgerton Street, Little Canada, MN, on Monday, May 2nd , at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the North St Paul Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.