John Joseph Flynn went to be with the Lord on Dec 15, 2016 at the age of 63. A lot of people say Heaven gained another angel, but Heaven also gained a brother, father, son, husband, spiritual mentor, friend and so much more. There was not a day when John didn’t bring Light to someone. John was close to God, and never forgot to thank Our Father every day. He taught this Way to many and was truly blessed with incredible gifts.
John was born in Great Falls on May 7,1953. His parents moved to Helena with their family in 1961 where he attended Helena schools, graduating from Helena High in 1971. In 1979, he married Carol Peterson and they raised two children, Conrad and Rosemarie. John received an Associate degree from Montana Tech in Butte, later graduating in Accounting from Carroll College.
John married the love of his life, Donna Hallsten in 2001. Together they were active leaders in Boy Scouts, Healing Rooms, Church Ministry, Manna Baskets Ministry, Prison Ministry, Crow Jubilee and had traveled to various places including Europe and Israel. They opened their home as a shelter, retreat, place of personal ministry to many from all over. He overcame cancer twice in the last ten years, and has been cancer-free for five years. John spent many dedicated hours working with the State of Montana. He retired after many years and then pursued a career as a Certified Fraud Examiner for the Silverman Law Firm.
John loved the outdoors and was an excellent swimmer, several times swimming across the width of Canyon Ferry lake at Hellgate Campground. In summers’ he hiked the wild mountains he loved; in winters’ he loved to cross-country ski, especially into the family cabin, where he and his dad spent many special hours together. John loved and cherished the cabin and he had many years of fond memories with all his children and family.
John had a way of touching people and unselfishly giving of himself. He drew people in with the biggest, dimpled smile, his warm hugs, the brightest twinkle in his eyes and wry sense of humor. John loved the Body of Christ in Word, in Service, and in Action. A good man’s legacy long speaks after he is gone. John’s legacy is a great example to us.
John has joined his father, Joe Flynn, sister Kathleen, and father-in-law Richard Blazevich in Heaven. He will be greatly missed by his wife, Donna Flynn; children Conrad Flynn (Allison), Rosemarie Flores(Chi), David Hallsten(Sabrina), Nicole Hallsten and Chelsey Hallsten; mother
Dorothy Flynn; and siblings Colleen Scow (Marc), Maureen Miller (Mick), Bob Flynn(Rose), Patty Anderson (Bill), Mike Flynn, Tom Flynn(Kim), Meghan Shrontz(Dave), numerous grandchildren, extended family and the Crow Nation family who honored John and Donna by publicly adopting them into their tribe.
A memorial service will be held for John at Fortress of Joy Church (720 Faw Road) on Thursday, Dec. 29 at 3 PM, followed by a reception at the Church. In lieu of flowers we encourage donations to Manna Baskets Ministry: 2400 York Rd, Helena, MT 59602, The Catholic Social Services of Montana-Conrad and Allison Flynn Adoption Fund: PO Box 907, Helena, MT 59624 or Arrow Creek Christian Center: PO Box 103, Pryor MT 59066.
“Death is for those of us left behind, not for the One who left.” Brahms
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Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA says
Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA purchased the A Full Life for the family of John Flynn.
Nina Martello says
Donna & family, Shocked and sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was such a wonderful person to so many people and he will be missed. Always remember how he taught my son Bryan while he was in Boy Scouts that he takes with him today. He will always be with you and the family Donna as your “guardian angel” and will always watch over you. Love you and God be with you and your family. Nina Martello