Patrick "Pat" Connell, age 66, of Portage, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born on October 25, 1950 in Gary, Indiana to the late Lawrence and Margaret Connell. Pat is a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps; once a Marine, always a Marine. He proudly served his country as a decorated combat veteran in the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of the Marine Corps League and the VFW Post #6841 in Lowell. He was also a dedicated member of Augustana Lutheran Church. Pat retired from US Steel in 2012 after 39 years of service. For 41 years, Pat enjoyed his little piece of heaven on Earth at his campsite on Portage Lake in Michigan.

He leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Janet (nee Burkland) Connell; sons, Brian (Abbey) Connell, Jeffrey (Jennifer) Connell; two grandsons, Nolan and Ethan Connell; brother, Terry Connell; sisters, Kathy (Dave) Holland, Cindy Kenney, and Judy Connell; many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Margaret Connell; and brothers, Michael and Timothy Connell.

A funeral service for Pat will take place Monday, December 19, 2016 at 11:00 am at Augustana Lutheran Church, 207 Kelly Street, Hobart with visitation there from 10:00 am until the time of service. Rev. Charles R. Strietelmeier is officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 18, 2016 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Military Honors will take place at 6:00 pm. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.