Tug Flynn

Tug Flynn, 86, of Lakewood, passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, surrounded by family at his home. He was born on Oct. 4, 1928, to Clyde and Ruby Flynn in Wabeno. Tug spent his childhood in Mountain and joked he was the “smartest boy in his class” (note: he was the only boy) before joining the U.S. Air Force at 17. He served three years in Germany before coming home to Lakewood. Tug married Avis Koch on April 15, 1950, and they lived and loved each other for more than 64 years together in Lakewood. He began working for Standard Oil Company in 1955 and spent 45 years with the company. Tug was passionate about creating a better community, and he was one of the founders of the local Mardi Gras, baseball team, Little League and an early supporter of the Paul Bunyan Ski Hill. He also served as an usher at St. Mary’s Catholic Church for over 35 years. He loved his family, a good joke, traveling with his wife and, of course, golfing. Tug is survived by his wife, Avis; sons, Dan (Luann) and Mike (Sharon); daughters, Colleen (Joe) Wisnicky and Kate (Brad) Fleckenstein; 10 grandchildren (and admitted fart-blossoms, per Tug’s frequent inquiries), Mike (Sarah) Flynn Jr., Pat (Rhonda) Flynn, Jodie (Willie) Harris, Kelly (Mark) Wichman, Mary (Steven) Maes, Sara (Ryan) Worthen, Jenna (Gouhar) Khan, Tug and Tommy Fleckenstein and “Jessie too” (Adam) Habeck; and 15 great-grandchildren, Eric, Amber, Audra, Brexton, Erin, Ruby, Evan, Jackson, Elise, Jaycee, Willie, Safia, Hayden, Lily and Flynn. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandsons Ryan Flynn and Zachary Fleckenstein, and many dear friends. A celebration of Tug’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at McCauslin Brook Golf and Country Club in Lakewood. A private graveside service will be held at Lakewood Cemetery prior to the celebration. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home in Suring is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com. The entire Flynn family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Unity Hospice and to Chaplain Steve for their wonderful care and compassion.