| Story of life: | MAPLETON - Robert M. "Bob" Flanigan passed away on November 19, 2006, in Sioux City at the age of 73 years, 9 months, and 29 days.
The Vigil Wake Service was held on Tuesday, November 21, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mapleton.
The Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, November 22, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Church in Mapleton. Officiating was Msgr. Mark Duchaine. Lectors were Colleen Henderson, Trish Garton, and Mary Nelson. Mass Servers were Alex Flanigan, Joey Flanigan, and Mary Henderson. Eucharistic Ministers were Nora Flanigan, Darlene Flanigan, and Beth McGrath. The Message in Music was led by organist Bonita Kane and vocallist Sharyl Bruning who led the congregation in "On Eagles Wings," "How Great Thou Art," "Amazing Grace," and "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Pallbearers were Mike Flanigan, Bryan Flanigan, Joe Seufert, John McGrath, Jim Agostine, and Bill Westoff. Interment was in Danbury Catholic Cemetery at Danbury.
Armstrong Funeral Service of Mapleton was in charge of the arrangements.
Robert Michael (Bob) Flanigan was born on January 20, 1933, in Sioux City to Martin and Henrietta (Murphy) Flanigan. He attended Soldier Township #5 rural school and beyond that, he was an avid reader and self-educated.
Bob was a farmer from his early childhood, working with his father and brothers on the family farm near Ricketts, Iowa. In later years, he farmed in the Mapleton, Danbury and Charter Oak area, until he was forced to retire after being injured in a fire in April 2006.
Bob was also an entrepreneur and was always willing to try a new venture. In partnership with his brother Joe, he owned an International Truck Dealership and the Mapleton Motor Company in Mapleton. The brothers were also partners in Flanigan Brothers Grain for several years. He also started the South Sioux City Pet Spa.
For the past 30 years, Bob spent part of each winter in Arizona where he bought and refurbished houses for resale and bought cars for his Shamrock Cars business.
Bob was happiest when he could spend time having a beer with friends and reminiscing about old times. He always enjoyed stopping at small town pubs and making friends with the local residents.
Bob had the Irish gift for story telling, and he could find the humor in almost any situation.
He was a very caring and giving son, brother and friend, always ready to help when needed. He will be truly missed by all whose lives he touched.
Survivors include one sister, JoAnne (Don) Seufert of Ute, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Nora Flanigan and Darlene Flanigan both of Mapleton; 12 nieces and nephews; Mary (Bob) Nelson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Marty (Lynette) Flanigan of Mapleton, Benita (Roger) Uhl of Mapleton; Joann (Tim) Treiber of Danbury, Mike (Tammy) Flanigan of Mapleton, Bryan Flanigan of Mapleton, Dennis (Melissa) Flanigan of Sioux City, Colleen (Bob) Henderson of Ute, Joe (Jodi) Seufert of Carroll, Iowa, Trish Garton of Sioux City, Iowa, Jim Seufert of Aurora, Colorado, Sheila (Lance) Odom of Eagle, Nebraska; 12 great nephews and 13 great nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joseph and Donald Flanigan. |
