Born: December 4, 1950 - Deceased: November 4, 2024
Michael “Mike” Connell, 73, of Belleville, IL, born Monday, December 4, 1950, in Cape Girardeau, MO, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
Mike was a professional musician playing with many bands. He was formerly a trumpet player with the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: William V. and Bessie M., nee Coleman, Connell
- Brother: Patrick Connell
Surviving are his:
- Wife of 20 years: Patricia “Patty” K., nee Hartmann, Connell of Belleville, IL
- Brothers
- Rod (Jane) Connell of Kampsville, IL
- Stephen Connell (Jane Emerick) of Alton, IL
- Dear nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Visitation: Visitation from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Rev. Dr. Joe Scheets officiating. Private family interment at St. John’s Cemetery in Campbell Hill, IL.
5 Comments
So sorry for your loss, Stephen. Prayers for you and your family.
Mike was in our class at school. He was always playing his horn mouthpiece. He was always so focused on his music. He knew what he wanted to do with his life, at an early age.
Even though he moved away, he came to one of our RHS reunions.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
From the family of Forrest Creson, we are deeply saddened to lose another Belleville Black Knight Marching member. He was an intricate part of the Lead Soprano Section playing solos and duets with myself. Always striving for perfection among the 4 of the best on the best. It was an honor to march along side Mike in my father’s Belleville Black Knights and now he will be welcome with open arms to be added to the roster of the new Heavenly Black Knights. God Bless You Mike and will see you on the other side. Prayers to you and your family.
Pat, so very sorry to hear of your loss. I pray God’s healing comfort be yours more each day. 🕯️
I’m so sorry to hear this, and had I known in time, I would have come to the visitation. Mike helped to improve my trumpet playing, and exercises he taught me are part of my practice routine. He was an excellent musician.