William Earl “Bill” Connelly passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024 at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff, NE.
He was born May 10, 1931 in Alliance to Frank and Jessie (Reed) Connelly. He graduated high school in 1948 from the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, NE. Bill served in the U.S. Navy from January 1951 until November 1954 and later in the Nebraska National Guard. He worked a variety of jobs, eventually retiring from BNSF after 17 years.
On March 30, 1959, he was united in marriage to Merna I. Reeves. They raised seven children together. He was known for his love of poetry, his family, and especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Merna, his children, Ruth Boillot of France, Christopher (Rosanna) Connelly of Panama, NE., Brenda Connelly of Scottsbluff, Vince (LaVonne) Connelly of Arnold, NE, Elaine Connelly (Kent) Bleisch of Scottsbluff, Noreen Connelly of Alliance and Patrick (Darcy) Connelly of Torrington, WY., 41 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Colleen Kamas of Boulder, CO, Tom Connelly of Genoa, NE, Mary Ann Felkins of Kimball, NE, Patrick Connelly of Kimball, NE and Dave (Jeanine) Connelly of Whitney, NE.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two children in infancy, Theresa and Michael; brothers and sister, Joe, Frank “Mike”, Tim and Sara Arnold; grandchildren, Vincent Boillot, Brielle Dietrick, and Angela Connelly; and sons-in-law, Scott Dietrick and Claude Boillot.
Funeral services were held September 6th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial with military honors were held at St. John Cemetery at Crawford.