Donald F. Connealy

Donald Connealy, age 58, passed away on October 22, 2020.

He was born July 1, 1962, to Neil & Joan (Aronson) Connealy in Blair, NE.

He was preceded in death by his father, Neil Connealy.

Donald is survived by his wife, Tracy Connealy; mother, Joan Connealy; children, Kait (Adam) Shell and Nate (Rachel) Connealy; siblings, Dennis (Janis) Connealy, Ted (Sue) Connealy, Mike (Lea) Connealy, Paul (Lynette) Connealy, Pat (Shari) Connealy, Jean (Tom) Shramek, Kass (Rodney) Bromm; granddaughter, Zoey Grace Shell; in-laws, Rick and Wanda Gibson; sister-in-law, Cheryl Neff; brother-in-law, Kim (Teresa) Gibson; nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family and friends.

“He cared about people. All people. He might not have been the center of attention himself, but he always made you feel like you were. He was always there, always present. Quick with a witty one- liner, a long hug, or a longer laugh. So many people have shared moments with Dad this week where he just listened to them in a tough time. But not only did he listen, he remembered, he followed up, he followed through. That’s who he was.”

“You were incredibly funny and witty but were never afraid of having a laugh at your own expense. You always loved music. You and mom shared so many special songs. I remember when I got married and you and I talked about what song to dance to for our father daughter dance. When you suggested “She’s on Her Way” by Phil Vassar I knew it was the perfect song for you and me.”

“Don loved with his whole heart. If you were fortunate to be his friend or family, you were loved without conditions or judgement.
He was fiercely loyal in good times and bad. He was loyal to his marriage, his family, his job, his values.
He was so proud of his family. Where he came from, his roots, his parents, his siblings. He was even MORE proud of his children and his precious Zoey Grace. The “boo” to his pumpkin. Kids, Never doubt the love and pride he had for you, it was evident every single day.”

“My dad loved so hard but so effortlessly. He was made, literally created, to love. I fully believe his heart gave out in the way it did because it could no longer hold the amount of love he had. He loved life, he loved moments, he loved us. He loved my mom. I couldn’t have asked for a better example. So many of my friends got his coveted pre-marriage “yes dear” speech. Although I won’t get that speech, I have 27 years of his actions that tell the story. I didn’t get the speech because I don’t need it. He already gave me the whole blueprint on love.”

“Dad, your love, your patience, your understanding, your wisdom and your amazing sense of humor will live on inside us forever.”


Visitation is 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2020, at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be that afternoon in the Tekamah, Nebraska Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Cure SMA or the University of Iowa Center for Advancement c/o UI Stead Family Children's Hospital Fund.