Kenneth “Pat” Connell, 90, a former resident of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at the Fargo VA Medical Center.
Kenneth Patrick Connell “Pat” was born on July 13th, 1925, in his home near Foxhome, MN, the son of Thomas and Christine (Anderson) Connell. He was the youngest in the family, with three brothers and one sister. He attended school in Fergus Falls. He worked at Red Owl prior to enlisting in the service. He served in the Marines in the Pacific Theatre during World War II; fighting key battles in Saipan: Tinian and Iwo Jima, where he was wounded and given an honorable discharge with medals and a purple heart.
On June 12, 1946, Pat married Jean Ann Neuman, and they made their home in Fergus Falls, until moving to Moorhead in 2009, to be closer to family. Most recently, they were residents at Eventide Assisted Living.
He worked for Gamble Robinson, the City of Fergus and the Flour Mill, prior to starting his longtime career with Otter Tail Power Company at the Hoot Lake Plant. He started in the coal yards and worked his way up to Operations Supervisor, remaining there until his retirement in 1987, after almost 40 years.
Pat was a skilled hunter, fisherman and trapper. In later years, he became an avid golfer, winning trophy’s the first year he started. He was also a skilled carpenter, building a garage and a cottage from scratch, as well as finishing basements for himself and one of his daughters, in addition to many smaller projects. He enjoyed spending time with family the most and the many family gatherings were always a joy for all.
Preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Jim, Art and Tom; a sister, Marion; and a son-in-law, Leslie Steussy.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 69 years, Jean; daughters, Pat Steussy and Pam Nelson; a son-in-law, Lee Nelson; his grandchildren, Jason (Kari) Steussy, Christine (Sean) Keller, Shaun (Jessica) Nelson, Justin (Crystal) Nelson and Leah (Eric) Roethel; seven great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM on Monday October 12, 2015, at Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls
Service: 1:30 PM on Monday October 12, 2015, at the Olson Funeral Home Chapel
Clergy: Reverend Dan Ottoson
Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery in Fergus Falls