Connie Driscoll

Cornelious “Connie” Driscoll, Bismarck, passed away quietly on April 12, 2023.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Connie was born November 12, 1931 to John and Laura Driscoll in Arena, ND. Growing up in the heart of the great depression, he left school early to work on area farms before enlisting in the army in 1949. To hear him tell it, he was enjoying getting off the farm and seeing this great country for the first time. The Korean War changed all of that and Connie was among the first to arrive into the conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

While attending and evening dance in Wing, he saw an attractive young school teacher and was immediately smitten. Ellen was a pretty, serious minded young woman, whose only interest would be in gentleman with similar qualities. They married on June 10, 1956 and settled in Mandan for a few years before moving to Bismarck. They were married for 60 years when Ellen passed in 2017.

Faith was important to Connie and he was actively involved with many committees and projects at First United Methodist Church over a span of 50 years. Perhaps his greatest contribution was as scoutmaster of the church Boy Scout troop. Helping shape the futures of many young men, his leadership of troop 70 laid claim to the largest group of Eagle scouts (seven) awarded at one time. His receiving the Baden Powell award was a reflection of that leadership, but the accomplishments of the scouts as they matured into adulthood was his greater reward.

Many people met and knew Connie from his 32 years working at Arrowhead Cleaners. Mentored and befriended by Bill Woodcox, Connie worked alongside Bill at the dry cleaners and earlier at Capital Milk Products. Retirement didn’t suit our dad well, so he enjoyed several years working at Eckroth Music and volunteering as part of the honor guard with the VFW.

Connie and Ellen leave behind a legacy of generations who loved them both deeply. Children, Dwight (Lucy) Driscoll, Jeanne (Steve) Johs, Laurie Driscoll, and Darin (Tracy) Driscoll, as well as six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, with another arriving in August. He never missed one of the kids’ or grandkids’ concerts or recitals, always with video camera on hand to document the event. Yes, he was that grandpa!

Awaiting him at heavens table are his wife, Ellen; his parents; and siblings, Clarence (Hilda), Florence (Edwin), Chester (Florence), Delores (Al), Clifford (Doris), Gerald (friend Bev) and Eugene (Susie).