John J. Connelly

John James Connelly, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2022, at his home in Litchfield, MN. There will be visitation from 4 – 7 PM on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral and Cremation Service in Litchfield, MN. A memorial service in Waseca, MN will be held at a later date. John was born on July 18, 1936, to James and Violet (Hanson) Connelly. He was the 2nd oldest of 6 children. He grew up in Byron, MN until he left to serve his country in the United States Army in January 1955. He served time in Grafenwöhr Germany and fought in the Korean War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Army of Occupational Medal (Germany) and the Marksman (Rifle) Medal. John was Honorably Discharged in June 1957. Upon his return he met his future bride, Barbara Quitney. John and Barb eloped with a private ceremony on August 22, 1959, in Rochester, MN. Together they raised five children. John was a hard-working farmer. He took pride in raising animals and farming crops. He farmed for others who needed a strong dedicated hand. John’s farming jobs took him & his family to several different farms in northern IA and throughout MN. John and Barb finally settled on a turkey farm in Litchfield, MN for 20 years and retired in 2002. John had many interests. He enjoyed coon hunting and raising coon dogs. He would travel to Iowa every year for a Sportsman Exchange, often coming home with a new dog. He loved to fish, though he never would eat them. He liked wood working and building things. He collected guitars and dabbled in playing, he liked to play cards, and always just “shooting the breeze” with anyone and everyone. John especially enjoyed being with his family. John is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Connelly of Litchfield, MN; 5 children: Lucas Connelly, Royalton, MN, Donna (David) Schulzetenberg, St. Augusta, MN, Carmen Connelly, St. Cloud, MN, Susan Crocker, Allen, TX, and John Patrick Connelly, Mesa, AZ; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother Richard Connelly, Mesa, AZ; and sisters Jeanette Grinager, Eyota, MN and Jane Tyler, Phoenix, AZ. John was preceded in death by his infant son Christopher, mother Violet Connelly, father James Connelly, son-in-law Daniel Crocker, bother Wayne Connelly and sister Evelyn Kabage. Special thanks to the Ecumen Hospice team in providing care and compassion during his final days. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers.