Michael L. Connelly

Our husband, father, friend and son, Michael L. Connelly, was welcomed into the arms of God and relieved of the suffering related to his Chordoma Tumor on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, sleeping away peacefully at his home. Mike was born as a cradle Episcopalian on February 16, 1954 in Marshall to Calvin and Rosemary (Rothrick) Connelly, who survive him. Growing up in Marshall he had the spirit of the Redskins ingrained and was known during high school as “Golden Toe” for leading field kicks for the Marshall Redskin Varsity Football team. His love of football continued in life as he became a Michigan State University Football fanatic, attending games in snow, sleet, and rain. After graduating from Marshall High School in 1972, he attended and graduated from Foote Hospital School of Nursing as a Registered Nurse. He then attended Mt. Carmel Mercy School of Nursing, training as a nurse anesthetist. He graduated first in his class. Mike moved to Coldwater, and served his community at Community Health Center of Branch County the past 27 years, comforting thousands of Branch County patients as he sedated them before their surgeries. His love of health care will be carried on through his daughters, Courtney (Brandon) Dirschell of Coldwater, Ashley Connelly of Naples, FL, and Megan (Dan Gordon) Connelly of Ann Arbor, who all survive him. Mike is also survived by his best friend, caregiver and wife, Tina (Tillson) Connelly, with whom he soon would have shared their 25th wedding anniversary on Feb. 4th; and man’s best friend their Chocolate Lab Moccha; also brother Jeff (Bonnie) Connelly of Grand Rapids, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Elsie Tillson of Durand, sister-in-law Julie Mulnix and her children, Mollie, Katie and Jason; and many special friends from the Community Health Center family. Mike will be remembered as a man who loved and lived his life fully. He loved his work, enjoyed playing golf, fishing, hunting, and dancing, especially to his favorite song "Mustang Sally". A fishing trip to Alaska with his nephew Jason was a special memory for Mike. He had a well known love of cars, which is somewhat of an understatement! Mike was dedicated to his family, who he loved dearly. Friends may call at the funeral home of his childhood buddy and friend, Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home, 103 E. Mansion St., Marshall, on Tuesday 9AM-9PM, where family will be present to greet friends and share memories 2PM-4PM and 6PM-8PM. Funeral services to celebrate his life and his Lord will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 11AM at St. Mark Episcopal Church in Coldwater with Rev. Stephen I. Bartlett officiating. Cremation will follow services. The family suggests that friends who wish direct memorial contributions to St. Mark Episcopal Church or The Chordoma Foundation. Assistance with memorials available at Kempf Funeral Home.