William Gerard Connelly

William "Bill" Connelly, age 69, of Annandale, died Thursday, April 6, 2023, at the St. Cloud Hospital.

A Celebration of Life in honor of Bill will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Billy D's Crooked Tavern in Annandale, Minnesota. 

William Gerard Connelly was born April 2, 1954, in Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada from where he immigrated to the United States as a baby in arms with his parents Julius "Jack" and Eileen (Prendiville) Connelly. Bill grew up in Monticello and Annandale. He graduated high school in Annandale with the class of 1972. After high school Bill honorably served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War era. Upon his discharge, Bill attended North Hennepin Community College where he earned his associate degree. On August 26, 1978, Bill was united in marriage to Margaret "Peggy" Coulombe at St. Austins Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They started their family in Crystal, Minnesota, eventually moving  into a home in Plymouth, Minnesota designed and built by Bill. In 2019, they decided to live full time at their cabin on Bass Lake  which has been in Peggy's family since the early 1950's. Bill owned and operated Gem Building Services for over 25 years, where he was a building contractor. 

Bill enjoyed being outdoors, whether it be fishing, playing disc golf, water-skiing, or 4-wheeling. He loved to entertain family and friends, which often consisted of Bill telling a good joke or an elaborate story. Even after 44 years of marriage, he continued to sweep Peggy off her feet on the dance floor. Bill's softer side came through with his gentle care of animals or by preparing his homemade pie crusts, which he learned to do at a young age. He was always up for an adventure and often looked forward to traveling down South in the winter. As an Irishman, Bill was proud of his ancestral roots. However, nothing gave Bill a stronger sense of pride than his friends and family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy of Corrina Township; children, Rhiannon (Chad) Simpson of Gardnerville, NV and Ryan (Jenna) Connelly of Delano, MN; grandchildren, Wyatt and Wynter Simpson, and Baby Connelly who is on the way; siblings, Mary (Bernie) Brown of Hillsboro, OR and Mike (Jill) Connelly of Maple Lake, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Eileen Connelly; sisters, Flora Watson and Margaret McGovern; and brother, John Connelly. 

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute online at
www.dingmannfuneral.com

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