Joseph William Connolly

Joseph William Connolly, 74, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2019 at his home in Le Center surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held Friday July 5 from 3pm to 7pm and Saturday July 6 from 8:30am to 10am at St. Marys Catholic Church in Le Center. Funeral service will be held Saturday July 6 at 10am at St. Marys Catholic Church in Le Center with Father James Stiles officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Le Center Area Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be at St. Henry Cemetery.

Joseph was born in St. Peter to Walter Connolly and Mary (Shaughnessy) Connolly on October 27, 1944. Joes father Walter, passed away in a vehicle accident when Joe was 2 years old. At the age of 7, his mother re-married to Joseph Genelin. Joseph graduated from McKinley High School in Le Center. He served in the United States Army from September 30, 1963 to March 27, 1971. Joseph was united in marriage with Carol Burgess on August 23, 1969 at St. Henry Catholic Church. He was a farmer all his life, county commissioner for 20 years, and owner and operator of C&S Ag Lime.

Joseph was a member of the Le Sueur County Sheriffs Posse for 48 years and was involved with the Sheriff Youth Project. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 108 and past commander, Ancient order of Hibernians, Color/Honor Guard, and was a founding member of the Le Sueur County St. Patricks Day Celebration, and 4-H riders with disabilities program. Joseph enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, hosting friends and family, and volunteering. He loved animals, especially horses and dogs, and loved celebrating his Irish heritage.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Carol Connolly of Le Center; daughter, Megan (Joe) Gramling of St. Louis Park; siblings, Jeanne Connolly of Le Center, Bill (Shelly) Genelin of Le Center, and Mary Lynn Sycks (Larry) of Le Sueur; grandchildren, Clare Gramling and TJ Gramling.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Joseph Genelin; son, Timothy Connolly; sister, Denise Wolf; brother-in-law, Gene Ehlers.

Arrangements are with the Le Center Funeral Home in Le Center. 507-357-6116. On-line condolences may be left at www.lecenterfuneralhome.com.