Donnelly, Rabbit William

Rabbit William Donnelly, 84, of Independence, died July 4, 2011. He was born April 9, 1927, in Independence, the son of A. Bernard and Josie (McGrath) Donnelly. He graduated from St. John's High School in Independence in 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. On Aug. 18, 1956, he and the former Helen M. Dennie were married at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.

Mr. Donnelly worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years before retiring in 1987. He also operated a tavern in Lamont for three years. Mr. Donnelly was a lifelong member of St. John's Catholic Church in Independence, the St. John's Corps #1314 Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus Council #4332, Bechter-Boies Post #2440 V.F.W., Three Elms Golf Club and the Shyster's Group.

Rabbit was known for his volunteer work and was recognized with the Governor's Award for Volunteerism twice and the Independence Mayor's Award twice. He was a hospice volunteer (Cedar Valley Hospice) and was named Hospice Person of the Year in 1993. Rabbit was awarded the Legion of Honor Award from the C.O.F. He was inducted into the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2010. He was chairman of the Board of Review at West Village Care Center and delivered Meals on Wheels for several years.

Rabbit was loyal to his faith, his family, his community, his golf games, unwinding at 4 p.m., and his Chicago Cubs.

He will be remembered for his quick wit, his warm heart, and his Irish heritage.

Rabbit is survived by his wife, Helen; two daughters, Diane (Dan) Sperfslage of Aurora, and Carol (Randy) LeRoy of Gretna, Neb.; one son, Roger Donnelly of Decorah; three grandchildren, Kelli (John) Bergin, Shawn Sperfslage and Patrick Sperfslage; and three brothers, John Donnelly, Leo Donnelly and Jim Donnelly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Ray Donnelly and Leonard Donnelly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation at White Funeral Home, Independence, begins Thursday at 3 p.m. with a parish rosary. A vigil service begins at 7 p.m.

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