Connolly, Mark J. 1956 - 2026
CONNOLLY, SWEENEY, KRUSE, KEUNE, HIGDON, MCCLINTOCK, HOSCH, ROGERS
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/6/2026 at 16:50:05
Mark J. Connolly, age 69, of Protivin, Iowa passed away on May 26, 2026, due to injuries sustained in an accident north of Cresco, Iowa.
Mark John Connolly was born on June 27, 1956, to John L. and Therese L (Sweeney) Connolly in Dubuque, IA. Mark grew up on a farm outside of Cascade, IA. He graduated from Aquin Catholic High School in Cascade in 1974.
On May 15, 1982, Mark and Mary Kay were married in Dubuque, Iowa. Together they shared 44 years of marriage and were blessed with five children. Farming remained a constant throughout Mark’s life, as he worked on the family farm and spent many years as a dairy herdsman. His strong work ethic also led him into trucking, where he drove truck for Reicks View Farms and Valley Transportation before joining Farmers Win Coop as a feed truck driver.
Mark was known for his strong work ethic, willingness to help others, and quiet dedication to his family. Whether he was behind the wheel of a truck, working on the farm, or spending time with loved ones, he could always be counted on. When Mark wasn’t working, he enjoyed camping and canoeing, especially the opportunity to sit around a fire in the evening visiting with family and friends. Mark liked tinkering with his old tractor on the weekends with his son. He believed in doing things the right way, lending a hand when needed, and putting family first. His sense of humor, practical wisdom, and steady presence brought comfort to those around him. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. The lessons he taught through hard work, kindness, and perseverance will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife Mary Kay, children: Jennifer Kruse, John Connolly, Rebecca (Jonathan) Keune, Lisa (Shane) Higdon and Amy Jo (Ryan McClintock) Connolly, siblings Ellen (Mark) Hosch of Eldridge, IA, Joyce (Jim) Rogers of Iowa City, IA, Jill Connolly of Dubuque, IA, and ten grandchildren: Kassie Kruse, Ashton Keune, Jayden Keune, Mason Keune, Makayla Keune, Lexi Higdon, Chloe Higdon, Shelby Higdon, Aubrey Higdon and Carson McClintock, along with several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother James Connolly, granddaughter Danica Keune and nephew Eric Connolly.
Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Notre Dame Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Schmelzer Funeral Home in Cresco, and again one hour prior to services at the church on Wednesday morning. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Cresco.
Source: Schmelzer Funeral Home database
Calvary Cresco Cemetery
Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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