Daniel Donnelly
July 18, 1926 - July 19, 2016
Obituary
Daniel Joseph “Danny” Donnelly died July 19, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Danny was born in Miles City, Montana, July 18, 1926 to Daniel and Pearl Donnelly. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic High School. In 1944, at age 17, Danny joined the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific theater during WWII, taking part in the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, Danny moved to Billings, enrolling in the Billings Business College and driving city bus. It was while driving bus that he met Dolores “Dode” Palmersheim and the two married on July 11, 1953. Danny spent 38 years working at Hart¬-Albin Company and then opened Danny Donnelly Appliance and TV. Retirement did not suit Danny and following the fulfillment of his lifelong dream to visit Alaska, he went to work as a greeter at the Heights Walmart until blindness set in and he retired permanently. Danny was a good, kind heart¬ed, hardworking man who always put others, especially his family, before himself. He took great comfort in his Catholic faith and was especially devoted to the Blessed Mother. Danny was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Albert Donnelly; sisters, Ellen Merry and Delphine Hollenbeck; and grandson, Kevin Donnelly. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dolores “Dode”; their four children, Timothy (Marilyn Naglich), Dennis, Anne and Eileen; grandchildren, Jason Donnelly, Meg Hydock, Timothy Donnelly, Jr. and Gillian Donnelly; great-grandchildren, Marshall Donnelly and Lincoln Hydock; sister, Pat Cotton Betzing; and numerous nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. Rosary will be recited Friday at 6:30 pm with the vigil to follow at 7:00 pm Friday at Dahl Funeral Chapel and Memorial Mass will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church Saturday at 10:00 am. Private family interment will be held on Monday at Holy Cross Cemetery. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to RiverStone Health, P.E.A.K.S. in care of St Vincent Healthcare Foundation, or EWTN (Eternal World Television Network).
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Memories
KC
Kathy Cotton-Windham
Other •
Uncle Dan
KC
Kathy Cotton-Windham
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My dear, sweet Uncle Dan! I am missing your sweet self already.✨ Never an unkind word for anyone, and always supportive in in all my endeavors and family life. So many precious memories... You are home with the Angels now. 🙏🏻
God Bless Your Soul.✝
Kathy Cotton-Windham
SC
Suzy Cotton
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Uncle Dan you have always been the angel for my mom and the role model of a father you have been the most kind giving loving and forgiving man I've ever met and I am privileged to have you as my uncle. You will be missed but you all have a beautiful adventure with God in heaven. I love you
Suzy
PC
Peg McGarity Crane
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So very sorry Tim and family. I have a little girl memory of a very tall man who always had a nice smile and a kind word. Peg McGarity Crane
MC
Mike Craighill
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I met "Danny" at Walmart in the early 2000's. Danny was a great person, just the kind of person you would want to work with. I got to know him more and more, and greatly enjoyed our chats. He was so proud of us when we my wife and I opened our restaurant, and he, along with Dolores and Dennis, were regular customers right from the start. Their support means so much to us. We will miss you, Danny. You are a great friend. Be at peace, and rest at the place that He has prepared for you.