Delbert “Del” Connaughty, after 98 years, left his life-long home of Marshfield, Wisconsin for his heavenly home on Monday, October 10, 2022.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 10:30 am, with Fr. Dan Thelen, as celebrant. Visitation will take place from 9:30 am until service time. Rembs Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Del was born to Martin and Elsie (Schuh) Connaughty on February 10, 1924. Del’s life was marked by his work ethic and commitment to service, his faith, and his family. In all of these, Del was a model for those around him.
As a young Catholic man, Del attended the seminary to discern a vocation to the priesthood. He felt called to return home to care for his aging parents, his nieces and nephews, and the youth of Marshfield as “Coach Connaughty.” Del’s dedication to and love for coaching football and basketball for St. John’s Catholic School was evident in the numerous hours he spent practicing with the young men on his teams. Del dedicated so much of his time to those boys; in 1984 the school named the gym at St. Johns after him. A well-deserved honor!
Working with the legendary, Jack Hackman of WDLB, covering baseball, football
and basketball games always brought back lots of fond memories for Del. Together, they drove through rain, sleet, and snow to broadcast Cloverbelt and Marawood games to the home fans.
Although he never married, Del cherished his close bond with his nieces and nephews, their families, his neighbors, and close friends. He treasured family time in Northern Wisconsin, bird hunting, participating in the annual Muskie Classic fishing tournament, and mixing a great old fashion to celebrate Christmas! Del enjoyed baking, while his family and friends enjoyed the benefits of his baking. Del’s goodie boxes, filled with cookies, were always a much-anticipated delivery during the holidays.
Del was blessed with remarkable neighbors, people who became family to him. Over the years, the neighbors took care of Del, mowing, planting, shoveling, and assisting him in the largest and smallest of tasks. Del appreciated all his neighbors did for him, and most of all, he cherished their frequent visits to simply chat. He was also blessed with two caregivers, Patti Willkom and Jen Neville. The daily care, compassion, and companionship they provided Del was immeasurable.
Del volunteered for many years at St. Joseph’s Hospital Chapel as a Eucharistic Minister and Sacristan. Del’s devotion to his “friend” Virgin Mary and his love for the Eucharist sustained him throughout his life and especially in his final days. Del’s favorite saying was, “I do the best with what I got!” God knows this through and through and will welcome him as a good and faithful servant!
Del is survived by his sister, Sharon Polster. He was predeceased by his parents; his siblings Jack, Leone, and Ethel; and his beloved golden Casey.
Many thanks to Marshfield Health Services, Heartland Hospice, Fr. Dan Thelen, Fr. Barry Saylor, neighbors and friends for supporting Del throughout his life’s journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John’s Catholic Church.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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