Background
Donnelly was born on March 9, 1927 in Augusta, Wisconsin.
Donnelly was born on March 9, 1927 in Augusta, Wisconsin.
He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the University of Wisconsin Law School.
Afterwards, he began practicing law in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Donnelly also served in the United States Navy during World World War II and the Korean War. In 1991 he Donnelly lost his law license for two years as discipline for selling phony Nevada and Dominican divorces, out of a drop box, which impacted at least 1,200 families.
People had obtained invalid divorces sold by Donnelly and some had even remarried, unaware that these divorces were not recognized in American courts.
He represented the 28th District.
Donnelly was elected as a Democratic member of the Senate in 1956 and was re-elected in 1960.