Eunice J. Connelly

GUTTENBERG, IOWA

Eunice J. Connelly, 101, of Guttenberg, Iowa passed away Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Guttenberg Care Center.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg. Funeral service will commence at 11 a.m. with private burial to follow at Hansel Cemetery near Garber, Iowa.

Eunice was born on June 11, 1923, to Realto and Katie (Feidt) Hansel. Eunice married Marcus Connelly on March 26th at St. Michaels Church, Garber, Iowa. Eunice was born on the family farm in rural Garber. She came from a very large family with four brothers, Leo, George, Walter and Vernon (Billy), and four sisters, Naomi, Bertha, Elsie, Lucille. Eunice lived on the family farm until her parent’s death, then Marcus and Eunice took over the family farm until it they sold to Realto and Mickey Hansel in 1967 and moved to Elkport, Iowa. Mother had many enjoyments in life. Her biggest joy was her family, old country music, dancing, playing cards and cooking. She was always ready to feed her family and others with great pleasure. There was always a large abundance of food goods around the home. Adding weight living around mother was an easy task as her food was quite tasty.

Eunice was a lifelong Catholic and continued to follow the Catholic faith throughout life. Mother worked on the family farm until 1967 when it was sold. She then took a job as a cook at Patrick Bar & Grill in Elkader, then worked at Trademark Homes, then at the Candle Lounge with her grandson Chad and her final work location was at the Anchor Inn, in Garber tending bar and cooking meals. Eunice took great pleasure in playing cards and it was a little risky to play with her as she was very good at it even up into the 100’s. It was always a lot of fun playing cards with her and it was an event that will be greatly missed.

Eunice is survived by her two sons: Allan and Francis Connelly; daughter-in-law Kathy (Zittergruen) Connelly; five grandchildren on Allan’s side: Chad, Shawn, Lance, Blaine, and Shasta and three grandchildren on Francis’ side: Gina, Dana and Kyle; 15 great-grandchildren with ten on Allan’s side: Heaven, Colten, Colin, Ashton, Dalton, Dominic, Brayden, Amayah, Nylah and Nyomah and seven great-grandchildren on Francis’ side: Alecsander, Alexis, Aiden, Natalie, Mea, Liam and Oliver; and a great-great-grandchild on Allan’s side, Rocco.

Eunice was preceded in death by her parents, Realto and Katie; her husband, Marcus; and all her siblings have passed.

We want to thank all who helped Eunice in her final days at home and we greatly appreciate the excellent care she received from St. Croix In-Home Hospice.

Morris Funeral Home in Guttenberg is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207

South 1st St, Guttenberg, IA 52052.