John F. Flanigan Sr, age 80, of Clayton WI passed away at Regions Hospital on May 30, 2013 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 26, 1932 in Nodine MN. He graduated from Cotter High School in Winona, MN in 1950. He joined the armed services in 1951 and was later honorably discharged due to family hardship and the illness of his father. John married Jean Erickson on October 20,1956. Together John and Jean had 16 children. They enjoyed listening to Polka Music and going to dances. He graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. In addition to dairy farming, John also had worked at Armours and the Stillwater prison. He was an avid reader and he loved to learn new things. He enjoyed gardening, flowers, and watching the movie Lonesome Dove. He loved to talk about politics! John was loved by all of his children, grandchildren and his dog Petie. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, sons Joseph and Truman, and grandson Blake Flanigan. He is survived by daughters Barbara Butler, Theresa (Darwin) Schermerhorn, Catherine (Tim) Budziszewski, Bridget (Joe) Domiani and Bonnie (Rusty) Wittman. He is survived by sons John, Tim (Patty), Tom (Kathy), Jim (Rhonda), David (Becky), Patrick (Josie), Michael (Jen), Peter (Amy), and Paul (LaDonna) as well as 30 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 4 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. There will be a time of visitation for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Winona, MN at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.