Paul R. Flanagan, age 84, of Bear Creek passed away Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at his home.
Paul Richard Flanagan was born May 11, 1936 in the Town of Bear Creek, Waupaca County, to James and Helen (Huhn) Flanagan. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and later graduated from Bear Creek High School in 1954. Paul then went on St. Norbert College in De Pere for a short time until he was drafted into the military. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War; mostly driving truck and patrolling the demilitarized zone. Paul was united in marriage on September 18, 1982 to Priscilla Lorge in Bear Creek, she preceded him in death in 1993. On October 6, 2001 he married Mary Jarvais-Peeters at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bear Creek. In his early days, Paul worked on the family dairy farm and drove milk truck as well. His passion was playing basketball and eventually coaching the St. Mary’s basketball team. Paul enjoyed staying active in projects and happenings around the Bear Creek area. He was also the co-owner of the Flanagan Feed Mill in Bear Creek for some time. Paul is a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he served as an usher and volunteered often with the annual Sauerkraut Festival. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 2663 of Bear Creek. Paul was a lifelong farmer with a heart of gold; and he always loved Allis Chalmers tractors! Paul will be remembered most for his wonderful sense of humor and the beautiful twinkle in his eyes.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Mary Peeters-Flanagan; and her children, Linda (special friend Ron) Peeters, Lisa Peeters, Anica Peeters, Francis (Carolyn) Windmire, and Pat (Mary) Peeters. There are five grandchildren: Michael, Marcus, Emilee, Natalie, and Deja Peeters; and three great-grandchildren: Eevie, Willow, and James. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Priscilla; seven siblings: Clifford (Hazel) Flanagan, Edward (Trudi) Flanagan, Jerry (Eleanor) Flanagan, an infant Thomas Franklin Flanagan, Thomas John (Marion and Eileen) Flanagan, Helen (Patrick) Mares, and James (Patricia) Flanagan Jr.; and a stepdaughter RayLee Peeters.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 13th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bear Creek. Fr. Timothy Shillcox, O. Praem officiated and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Military Honors were provided at the cemetery by members of the American Legion Post 512 of Shiocton and VFW Post 2663 of Bear Creek. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, assisted with the arrangements. Go to www.beil-didier.com to sign the online guestbook or to send a card to the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Paul’s honor to St. Rose / St. Mary’s Catholic School.
The family wishes to especially thank all the caring friends and relatives for the love and support given to Paul.