Beatrice M. Connell

Beatrice M. Connell, 99, of Chippewa Falls, died peacefully at Our House Assisted Living in Chippewa Falls on Wednesday, August 30.

On August 15, 1924, Beatrice was born to Joseph and Florence (Kobiske) Douville in Boyd, WI. From the age of 4, she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Delina and Louis Melville. She attended Henry school and Chippewa Falls Senior High School.

Bea married Val R. Connell on November 27, 1941, at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. She was a lifelong member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls and the St. Bridget’s Altar Society.

Bea and Val operated Connell’s Apple Orchard for 45 years in Lafayette. She was known for her famous apple cookies, delicious apple pie and American potato salad. Bea loved to do crocheting and making crafts with her sister Dorine. She also enjoyed playing pool.

Bea is survived by her children, Phillip (Margaret) Connell, Kathleen Connell, Patricia (Dennis) Mueller, Jennifer Connell and Richard J. Connell; special daughter, Susan (Keith) Dippel; sister, Rozanne Halama; grandchildren, Michelle Ellis, Angela Huth, Patrick Connell, Amy VerBockel, Stephanie Mikula, Jennifer Boyd, Jeffrey Mueller, Jason Mueller, Julie Williams, Christopher Beck, Michael Beck, Thomas E. Whited, Holly Hanson, Richard A. Connell, and Steven Connell; great-grandchildren, Madison, Mackenzie, Tanner, Paris, Paige, Makayle, Madalyn, Kylie, Aubrey, Emily, Andrew, Aaron, Aidan, Alex, Regan, Jackson, Frances, Juliana, Kasson, Quentin, Isabella, Knightly, Kayden, Ashlyn, Jace, Braedon, Brianna, and Brennan; along with many other loving family and dear friends.

Bea was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Florence Douville; husband, Val R. Connell; special aunt and uncle, Delina and Louis Melville; sisters, Dorine Gibson and Betty Svac; step-sisters, Donna Parnell and Carol Tape; great-granddaughter, Ali Ditter; and great-grandson, Baby Dominic Williams.

The visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, 44 E. Columbia St., Chippewa Falls with a public prayer vigil at 4:30 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 7, at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, 2801 North 110^th Ave., Chippewa Falls, with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at church. Fr. Jesse Burish will be officiating. The interment will be in Prairie View Cemetery, Village of Lake Hallie.