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BORN
1943
DIED
2021
John Connolly Obituary
John G. Connolly was born August 12, 1943, in Great Falls, Montana to Georgette and John William "Jack" Connolly. Jack was killed in action in the South Pacific when John was two and he was raised by his maternal grandparents, George and Donna Schwobel, and his paternal grandparents, William Callahan Connolly and Clara "Lydia" Connolly.
John attended Roosevelt and Paris Gibson , graduating from Power High School in 1962. He attended Northern Montana College in Havre from 1962-1964. John married Janet Sue Kotthoff on August 26, 1967.
John was a proud member of the Montana Air National Guard for 31 years, 8 months plus five years of inactive reserve. John's career with the Great Falls Police Department was from 1971 to 1996. He served in the Patrol Division, Investigations Division and was the Training Officer at the time of his retirement.
John enjoyed hunting, boating, snomobiling, and camping in Montana, fishing in Alaska and travelling all over the world, visiting Canada, Mexico, Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe. While travelling to Hawaii, a favorite place, he unexpectedly passed away on May 10, 2021.
John is survived by his wife, Janet, his son, Joshua John Connolly of Soldotna, Alaska, and his daughter, Joleen Schneider of Las Vegas, Nevada. Grandchildren Jaycian and Tea, as well as Rhylie, Rhynna, Rheid, Rayce and Rhideon plus seven great grandchildren. Other survivors include his mother, Georgette Bidwell of Philadelphia, half-siblings Terri Pattison, Dawn Koch, Linda McCuiston, Ted Wolkiewicz and Ray Wolkiewicz and their families.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 21st, from 1-3 at the VFW. 4123 10th Avenue South in Great Falls.
Memorials are suggested to the Great Falls Police Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project or donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Connolly
Joe and Vicky Nelson
May 20, 2021
Our sincerest condolences to Susie and her kids along with their entire extended family. We were so glad to know him - such a warm, wonderful man.
Dianne Potter
May 19, 2021
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Theresa (Nash) McCune
May 19, 2021
Janet - So sorry to hear about John. You'll always have your wonderful memories of your life together including your children and grandchildren and all of the beautiful places you've traveled together. Take care and God bless.
Sharolyn Taylor
May 19, 2021
Janet and family, my sincere sympathy to you all. Jeanette was my Mom's (Grace Hodge) aunt, so I knew John through them. John was always interested in my family and was very kind to me.
Sharolyn Hodge Taylor
Sharolyn Taylor
May 19, 2021
Janet and family, my sincere sympathy to you all. Jeanette was my Mom's (Grace Hodge) aunt, so I knew John through them. John was always interested in my family and was very kind to me.
Sharolyn Hodge Taylor
Sharolyn Taylor
May 19, 2021
Janet and family, my sincere sympathy to you all. Jeanette was my Mom's (Grace Hodge) aunt, so I knew John through them. John was always interested in my family and was very kind to me.
Sharolyn Hodge Taylor
Daralee Pretat
May 19, 2021
My thoughts and prayers to Janet and the family. I enjoyed working with John on the PD! On a personal note, I remember his fondness for vinyl records and the sound quality he enjoyed from them.
Tim Shanks
May 19, 2021
I worked with John for many years at the GFPD until he retired. Those times will be remembered forever. John, rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jan and the rest of the family.
Linda Mccusiton
May 18, 2021
I’m so glad i finally got to meet John and Jan a few years ago in Philadelphia along with the rest of our siblings. My heart is heavy but i know we’ll see each other again in heaven. Deepest sympathy to Jan and the rest of his family.
Ronald Mammen
May 18, 2021
John and I served in the same section in the ANG for a number of years. John was a reserved guy and I considered him a good friend and I was surprised when he joined the GFPD but knew he would serve well. Thank you John
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
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