Paul Jerome Flannery, the son of Cecil and Helen (McInnis) Flannery, was born on January 26, 1941, in Des Moines, Iowa. The third of seven children, he grew up with his siblings and graduated from Dowling High School in Des Moines in 1958. Paul obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education from College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and he earned a master’s degree from St. Cloud College in St. Cloud, Minnesota.
Paul was united in marriage to Patricia Ellson, and they were blessed with four children, Paulette, Perry, Pam, and Peter. Later, he met Cathy (Hallett) Stadick Hennessy while singing in the New Ulm Notables and in August 1999, they married.
An accomplished musician, Paul was gifted with the ability to play many instruments and compose his own music. For a number of years, he directed the St. Mary’s Catholic Church choir. Early in his profession, Paul taught music in the Askov and Grove City public school districts. Following his teaching career, Paul moved to New Ulm and owned and operated the Dairy Queen. He also worked at AMPI from where he retired.
Paul enjoyed a challenging round of golf and a good game of Cribbage. He and Cathy enjoyed their retirement years in Weslaco, Texas where Paul readily helped others in his community with computer needs. An honest man with Christian values and a heart of service, Paul had a great sense of humor and readily shared laughter with others. He was a cherished dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa and he will be missed beyond measure.
Paul is survived by his children, Paulette (Brad) Pyan, Pam (Dean) Mithun, and Peter (significant other Kristi Krusemark) Flannery; Cathy’s daughters, Ann (Scott) Thorson and Mary (Jeff) Smith; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and six siblings along with their families.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; son, Perry; wife, Cathy; and brother-in-law, Bill.