Michael J. "Mike" Connelly

Michael James "Mike" Connelly, age 77 of Hastings, died peacefully at Regions Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 2021. Michael James, the son of William and Margaret (Nicholson) Connelly, was born on January 7, 1944, in Farmington, Minnesota. Mike grew up on the family farm in rural Burnsville and attended Burnsville High School. While in school, Mike enjoyed participating in football, basketball, and baseball. Prior to his graduation with the class of 1961, he was also awarded the Athlete of the Year Award. He then continued his education at St. Paul College where he received his diploma in Sheet Metal work and later joined Sheet Metal Workers Local #10 and began his Apprentice Training. During this time, Mike was also active in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and worked as an aviation mechanic. Mike later attended the University of Minnesota and received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Education. From that point forward, Mike became a well-known Sheet Metal Instructor throughout the state. He eventually became an Instructor Trainer for Apprentice Instructors, and later assisted with accrediting colleges for Sheet Metal Instruction. He was very proud of his accomplishments and the ability to participate in many jobs, especially the copper dome renovation at the Cathedral in 2001. After many memories, friendships, and countless hours of dedication to his career, Mike officially retired in 2008 even though he continued to stay active in his profession until recently. On June 16, 1973, Mike was united in marriage to Kathleen "Kathy" Gegen at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Hastings. They were blessed with five wonderful children, Bridget, Beth, Brian, Paul, and Mary, and forty-eight years of marriage. Their marriage and careers brought them to various cities over the years, but they eventually returned back to Kathy's hometown of Hastings. Mike enjoyed golfing with friends, gardening, being outdoors, biking, and reading a good mystery book. He and Kathy also enjoyed traveling to National Parks and taking many trips with their family to Florida. Mike was a longtime member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #10 as well as a dedicated member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Most of all, Mike was a true caretaker to his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, William Connelly. Mike is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Kathy; children, Bridget (John) Keefe, Beth Connelly (Robert Garcia), Brian (Bethany) Connelly, Paul Connelly (Pailo Heitz), and Mary (Tony) Cutrone; grandchildren, Kiran Kashyap, Colin, Carter, and Jonathan Connelly, Quinn Keefe, and Clara Cutrone; siblings, Theresa Huppertz, and Thomas Connelly (Joanne Wagner); sisters-in-law, Carol Gegen, Janean Gegen, and Susan Gegen; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 30, 2021, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, with Father Joe Connelly officiating. Private family interment will be held at the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., and to a reception immediately following the Mass, all at church on Saturday morning. In lieu of flowers, Mike's family requests memorials be given to TLC of Hastings, Hastings Family Service, or to the donor's choice in his memory. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.