Brian F. Donnelly, 61, of Kalkaska County, passed away unexpectedly on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 while skiing on the VASA Trail in Grand Traverse County. He was born on Oct 20, 1950 in Plymouth to the late Mac J and Elizabeth Anne (DeWacle) Donnelly.
Brian married Ruthann R. O'Brien on Jul 16, 1987 in Kalamazoo. They have resided in Kalkaska County since 1995.
Brian graduated from the University of Michigan Law School. He was a member of the Michigan Prosecuting Attorneys Association. Brian was a dedicated prosecutor for 25 years, honorably serving the citizens of Kalamazoo, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska Counties. His deep commitment to his community will be deeply missed.
He loved Michigan outdoor activities which included skiing, hiking, fishing, kayaking, hunting, and walking his dog Lizzie.
Brian is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Ruthann; his dear siblings, Kathleen Martin of Troy, Mary (Hal) Smith of Overland Park, KS, Tom Donnelly of Canton, and Elizabeth (Dick) Barker of Plymouth; his sister in law, Margie Thornton of Williamston; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Mac Donnelly Jr. whi was killed in the line of duty during a bank robbery in Lansing making him the first Lansing police officer to die in the line of duty,; and his sister, Gail Drouillard.
Visitation for Brian will be held on Thu, Jan 19 from 1 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Fri at 2 pm with visitation taking place two hours before at the Kalkaska Church of Christ with Dan Johnson officiating.
Memorials may be given to the VASA Trail Organization,
