Michael Connell

VISITATION:

3-8 p.m., Friday, October 2 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel andfrom 10-11 a.m., Saturday, October 3 at Christ Episcopal Church, 624 Bay St., Chippewa Falls

SERVICE:

11 a.m., Saturday, October 3 at Christ Episcopal Church, 624 Bay St., Chippewa Falls

Machinist Mate Second Class (Nuclear) Michael J. Connell, 22, of Chippewa Falls, died Friday, September 18, 2015 in Newport News, Virginia, after a lengthy battle with depression. He was proud to serve in the United States Navy.

Michael was born on November 14, 1992 in Eau Claire, WI to James and Karen (Krumenauer) Connell.

Michael was interested in the Armed Forces from a young age, and this was apparent in his constant drawing of ships, submarines, and tanks. His passion for drawing grew into a passion for reading and writing stories. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School with honors and at every stage of his military career this held true. He was an active member of the Wissota Raptors 4-H club, eventually earning the Key Award, the highest recognition given in 4-H. His favorite part of being in 4-H was the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. Every July Michael returned to Wisconsin to visit there with his 4-H friends. Truth be told, Michael excelled at everything he did.

Michael is survived by: his parents, Jim and Karen Connell; sister and brother-in-law, Anna and Marcus Lund; special "grandparents" Monica and Tom Bleskacek of Chippewa Falls; paternal aunts and uncles, Susan and Paul Zielie of Nashua, NH, Janet Schreiber of Anaheim, CA, Elizabeth and James Brezinski of Wausau, Jean and Michael Probst of Stevens Point, Jack and Dawn Connell of Eau Claire, and David (Jackie Muszynski) Connell of Chippewa Falls; maternal aunts and uncles: Dennis and Sharon Krumenauer of Holmen, Gary and Barb Krumenauer of Chippewa Falls,and Jane and Mark Kellen of Bloomer; a paternal great-aunt, Bea Connell of Chippewa Falls; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Jacob and Bernice Krumenauer and Vera and James Connell.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church, 624 Bay St., Chippewa Falls with Fr. Scott Kirby officiating. Military honors will take place immediately following the service at the church. Private interment will be held at a later date.

Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2015 at Pederson Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls and one hour prior to the service Saturday at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to a Humane Society of your choice.