Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Connolly, age 82, of Kimberly entered into eternal life March 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Gerald was born September 24, 1942, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Donald and Nina Connolly. He was raised in Rochester, Minnesota, and was a graduate of John Marshall High School. He attended Rochester Junior College and Mankato State. In 1964, Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Navasota as a Radarman in the South China Sea during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Gerald returned to Mankato to complete his BA degree and moved to Saint Paul where he met his wife, Mary. They were married in Minneapolis in 1968 and relocated to Milwaukee, where Gerald attended Marquette University Law School. Following graduation, he practiced law in Marshfield and later moved to Clintonville where Gerald joined Cliff Mullarkey and Douglas Malueg in law practice. He retired in 2005.

Gerald was a member of The American Legion, VFW, and Clintonville Trap Club, and was the Waupaca County Veteran Service Commissioner. Gerald enjoyed collector cars, owning several including a 1940 Ford Deluxe, which was the car he drove in high school, and his favorite, a 1933 Buick Street Rod. He also enjoyed curling and played the sport for over 30 years as a member of Clintonville Curling Club, where he served as a bonspiel chairman.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, and their daughters Jennifer (Chad) Martin of Charleston, SC, and Christine Connolly of Dallas, TX, along with his three siblings, Mike (Bonnie) Connolly, Jean Pagel, and Steve (Lane) Connolly, and nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Donald Connolly.

Visitation will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church (213 E Wisconsin Ave) from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 11 AM and be officiated by Rev. Ryan Starks. Burial will take place after at St. Rose Catholic Cemetery in Clintonville. In lieu of flowers, The Connolly family suggests donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Humane Society of Waupaca County.