Grandpa 1919-2010

(Written by my Aunt Diane.)

Jess, Avis and Dad
Originally uploaded by Jessie_dc22

Reginald Connelly 1919-2010

Reginald Connelly was born July 13, 1919 on the family farm near Lawton, North Dakota, the son of Daniel and Hilda (Herzog) Connelly. Reginald grew up on his parents’ farm and attended a rural grade school and Lawton High School.

Reginald was an infantry soldier serving for four years in the Army during WWII. Captured in North Africa, he spent three years as a prisoner of the Germans. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the POW Medal.

Following his service during WWII he moved back to the family farm and married Charmaine Sitar. Together they farmed and raised seven children. Charmaine died unexpectedly in May of 1978. He married Edna Foley in June of 1979. They stayed on the family farm for a short time following their marriage then retired and moved to Devils Lake, ND where they lived until moving to Bismarck. Edna died in June of 2000, leaving him to live with three of his children for several years preceding his last move to Marian Manor HealthCare Center in Glen Ullin.

Family, farming and music defined the greatest part of Reginald’s days on earth. He was constantly mindful of the gift of a blessed life. He farmed thinking of the next generation and what was good for the land, the neighbors and the wildlife. He taught each of his children times tables, how to play a musical instrument, how to live in a small home with lots of people and to respect others. He learned to play several instruments and played with countless musicians and many bands throughout his lifetime, treasuring the friends he made through the medium of music. He took great pleasure in reading and learning. Later in his life he enjoyed fishing and attending daily Mass. He loved spending time with his family.

Reginald is survived by his children, Diane (Lynn) Miller, Bismarck, ND; Dennis (Jeanne) Connelly, Bismarck, ND; Avis (David) Vesely, Lusby, MD; Carol (Jack) Booher, Bedford, NH; Linda (Terry) Weber, Lee’s Summit, MO; Joan (Darryl) Kartes, Langdon, ND; and Joyce (Robin) Hammer, Beulah, ND. Reginald leaves 18 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Genevieve, who lives in Elizabethtown, PA and two step daughters, Jackie Hildebandt, Portland, OR and Nancy (Butch) Kjelgaard, Fargo, ND.

Reginald was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Hilda Herzog, his sister Rita, his wife Charmaine, and his wife Edna.


Day is done Gone the sun From the lakes
From the hills From the skies.
All is well, Safely rest God is nigh
Fading light Dims the sight And a star
Gems the sky Gleaming bright
From afar, Drawing nigh, Falls the night.
Thanks and praise, For our days, Neath the sun,
Neath the stars, Neath the sky.
As we go, This we know, God is nigh.