Jeffrey Connelly

Jeffrey Joseph Connelly was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. He died on October 13, 2024.

He was born to Joseph Connelly and Joanne (Moberg) Connelly on August 29, 1959 in Pelican Rapids, MN. After beginning school in Granite Falls, he graduated from Fergus Falls High School in 1978, where he proudly played varsity hockey. He continued on to attend trade school for Graphic Arts in Staples. He held various jobs, including working at Swedberg Nursery and as a bricklayer, until experiencing a life-altering stroke at age thirty-eight.

Jeff was a naturalist. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and wildlife photographer. His most beloved spot of nature was right in Fergus Falls on the Otter Tail River, where he enjoyed spending time with a close-knit community of friends. Since early childhood, Jeff persevered through many health battles, throughout all of which he maintained a sense of purpose, dignity, altruism, and a can-do attitude. He had a sense of wonder and he was a steward of his environment, whether he was picking up litter by the river or being the first to help clean up at a family dinner.

His last health battle was that of esophageal cancer which was complicated by another stroke, and led to his peaceful death surrounded by family at Lake Region Hospital. He was ever loyal, loving, and giving to his friends, family, and community. In his death, he continues to give the gift of sight via organ donation.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Connelly, and grandparents, Thomas and Leona Connelly and Charles and Ann Moberg.

He is survived by his mother, Joanne Connelly; daughter, Kelly Nord; siblings, Chuck (Karla) Connelly, Mary (Glenn) Bressler, and Patrick (Jean) Connelly; nieces, Katie (Patrick) Davison Bressler, Ali (Tyler) Lacey, and Brianna Connelly; nephew, Joseph Connelly; great-nephew, Oliver Lacey and great-nieces, Murphy and Liv Lacey.

Jeff will be honored at a riverside celebration of life at Spies Park in Fergus Falls on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 4-6:30 p.m. with a service beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Jeff will be greatly missed by many. His footprint in life was small, but the hole he leaves in our hearts is large."

Assistance provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com