William Connell Obituary

William "Bill" Patrick Connell, aged 95, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on June 26, 2025. Bill was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on March 16, 1930. He grew up in a large family of twelve brothers and sisters. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.
Bill married Jean Brooks, of Covert, Michigan, and they were blessed to celebrate 74 years of marriage together before Jean passed in 2023. Together, Bill and Jean raised three children: William, Valerie (deceased), and Michael (wife Kathy). Bill also is survived by his brother, Philip Connell, and by three grandchildren, Chad Connell, Trevor Connell, and Dakota Connell-Ledwon, along with four great-grandchildren, and many dear friends.
He graduated from St. John's School in Benton Harbor, Michigan, and went on to receive two associate's degrees, from Lake Michigan College and from Southwestern Michigan College.
Bill was a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for eighteen years in Cass County Michigan. He worked in the electrical trade for Koontz-Wagner Electric in South Bend for 36 years, until he retired as a Senior Project Manager.
Bill was a Commander of the South Bend Power Squadron and an avid sailor. He also enjoyed hunting deer, antelope and elk with Jean in Wyoming. He was an active parishioner and an usher for many years at Christ the King Catholic Church in South Bend. He enjoyed spending time at his Florida home in The Villages in the winter. His friendly nature, unflappable calm, and shrewd intelligence will be sorely missed by all.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 30, 2025 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 S.R. 933, South Bend, IN 46637, where friends and family may visit for one hour prior to the mass. Interment will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, IN, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Christ the King Catholic Church, 52473 S.R. 933, South Bend, IN 46637 or Hospice Foundation, Supporting Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545-5234.
Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, IN is handling arrangements. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.
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