Dale A. Connolly, 86, died March 31, 2020, after a year-long battle with cancer.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from the University of Minnesota. After participating in the U’s ROTC program, Dale entered the U.S. Army as a 2nd lieutenant and became a captain before retiring in 1962. He was a 30-year landscape design instructor at Dakota County Technical College and an active volunteer and board member of the Como Park Conservatory.
Dale was a longtime member of Emmaus Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and helped beautify the sanctuary on holidays.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Delores Connolly. He is survived by Alrene, his wife of 65 years; children Bruce (Debra), Brian (Pam), Brent (Kate), Beth (Tim) Thompson, Barb (Tom) Koch and Barrett (Jill); 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.
Special thanks to the HealthEast Hospice team and Touching Hearts at Home.
A celebration of Dale’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Emmaus Lutheran Church, Como Park Conservatory or the University of Minnesota Alumni Association.
