Services for Robert “Bob” Connell

Robert “Bob” Connell, Trail, MN, age 57 died unexpectedly on Friday, September 18, 2015 while visiting at a friend’s home in rural Oklee, MN.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Sand Valley Lutheran Church in Trail, MN with Dawn Hanson, Synod Authorized Minister officiating.  

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM prayer service on Friday, September 25, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Service in Oklee, MN.

Robert Carl Connell was born on November 15, 1957 at St. James, MN to Francis and Shirley (Greaseback) Connell.  He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and attended St. James schools.  He served in the United States Army National Guard and was Honorably Discharged.  

He married Carol Bergerson on October 26, 1985 at Trail, MN and they made their home at rural Trail.  Bob worked for Eiden Farm Drainage, Plummer Excavating, Northern Clearing and several other pipeline companies as a heavy equipment operator.

In 1999 Bob and Carol started their own business, C & C Trenching and Excavating.  After several years of operating heavy equipment for others, he fulfilled his dream of owning an Ackerman Trackhoe.

Bob was unable to work in recent years, due to health reasons.  His love was his wife, Carol, and their two dogs, Porky and Angel.  They were inseparable and spent a lot of time going for rides in the Ranger Side by Side.

Bob is survived by his wife, Carol of Trail, MN; two sisters, Ginny Turgeon (Mike) of Kansas City, MO, Garnet (Marv) Karau of St. James, MN; brother, Ed (Linda) Connell of St. James, MN; mother-in-law, Evelyn Bergerson of Gully, MN; sisters-in-law, Sue (Ambrose) Beaudoin of Brooks, MN, Linda (Lloyd) Godtland of Trail, MN, Gail Van de Streek of Thief River Falls, MN, Julie (Randy) Horn of Gonvick, MN, Jodi (Scot) Thompson of Trail, MN; brothers-in-law, Alan Bergerson of Gonvick, MN and Jeremy (Cathy) Bergerson of Gully, MN; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Shirley Connell; step-mother, Betty Connell; family friend, Marie Isaacson; father-in-law, Kenneth Bergerson; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Bergerson Jr. and Kevin Bergerson.  

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.