Patrick "Pat" Connelly

Patrick Joseph “Pat” Connelly, 87, of Lansing passed away August 23, 2026, at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Private family services were held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing Saturday, August 29. The family asks that memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Pat was born March 17, 1939, in La Crosse, WI, to Joseph and Regina (Barry) Connelly. He grew up on the family farm in Rising Sun, WI, and attended country school before graduating from Viroqua High School. Following high school, Pat entered the Army National Guard, where he served in the heavy weapons infantry for three years and was honorably discharged in 1962.

November 15, 1969, Pat married Kathy Conway in Lansing. Together they made their home in Lansing, where they raised their three sons, P.J., Tim, and Steve, and shared 56 years of marriage.

Pat worked for Trane Company in La Crosse, WI as a press brake operator for 35 years. Following his retirement in 2000, he continued using his skills for several years at Lansing Housing.

Pat had many interests throughout his life. He enjoyed golfing, playing cards, bowling, deer and pheasant hunting, and woodworking. After retirement, woodworking became a favorite pastime, and he especially enjoyed making cribbage boards. He was a longtime bowler and kept statistics for his bowling leagues.

He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and served his community for many years as a member of the Lansing Fire Department and as an ambulance driver for Lansing EMS.

More than anything, Pat loved being a grandpa. His grandchildren were his greatest source of pride, and some of his happiest times were spent with them. He loved taking the grandkids golfing and was famous for making them chocolate shakes, letting them have as much as they wanted while making sure he got the biggest cup.

Pat had a way of making people feel special. With his bright blue eyes and a quick wink, he could make just about anyone smile. Wherever Pat went, it seemed he always found someone he knew. And if you asked him how he was doing, his answer was often simply, “Fair to middlin’.” A proud Irishman, Pat was also fond of a good brandy old fashioned and especially enjoyed mixing one up for friends and sharing a drink together. St. Patrick’s Day held special meaning for the Connelly family, as it was also Pat’s birthday, and celebrating that day became a family tradition.

Pat is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy Connelly; his sons, P.J. (Danielle) Connelly, Tim (Kristin) Connelly, and Steve (Laura) Connelly; his grandchildren, Patience (Ryan) Miles, Eden (Travis Herman) Connelly, Brooklyn Connelly, and Noah, Josy, and Brynn Connelly; and his great-grandchildren, Ezra and Ephraim Miles.

He is also survived by his siblings, Betty (John) Lynch, Jerry Connelly, and Danny (Robin) Connelly; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Theresa Lyons, Donna (Dick) Saddler, Leo Conway, Mary (Roger) Quandahl, Peter (Diane) Conway, and Kenny (Marsha) Conway; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Regina Connelly; his brother John Connelly; his grandchildren Alex, Ashton, and Brody Connelly; and his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Carol Connelly, Ralph Lyons, Kathy Conway, Ann Welch, and John Conway.