Florence Flannigan, 101 years, of Aurora, CO, formerly of Sutherland, NE, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014, in Colorado.

Florence was born November 3, 1913, the 6th of 10 children to Donata and Emma Pettinger Kunz at Stuart, NE. Her family was important and Florence stayed close to them throughout her life. Every three years the family would meet for a reunion; it was not an event to miss.

Florence grew up in Stuart and attended St. Bonifice Elementary then graduated from Stuart High School in 1932. On September 7, 1937, Florence was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, James Edward Flannigan, in Omaha, NE. They moved to Sutherland in 1942 where Florence became a mother of four girls and the wife of a salesman. The Flannigans built their home during the war when it was difficult and next to impossible to get supplies for the building. They started out with two government graineries, then over the years and several additions later, it ended up being a lovely home and well lived in.

Florence was a true housewife, doing all the house-wifely duties expected during the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and then some. The freezer was always full, the pantry lined with canned tomatoes, beans and fruit, and the garden was big enough to share. To Florence, these were her happy years.

While Florence was busy at home with the family Jim started Flannigan Chemical CO, which he operated until he retired in 1974. With Jim’s retirement and the girls going off to college, Florence’s life changed. They were now able to do some wintering in the South until the early 80’s when Jim’s health began to decline. After nearly 58 years of marriage, Jim passed away in 1995.

Florence was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She was active in church affairs, having served in many offices, and was President of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women of the North Platte Deanery. Florence helped others through her volunteer work at Bethesda Care and as a Hospice volunteer. She was a Canteen Chairman for the Red Cross Bloodmobile and served on the Sutherland Election Board.

Florence joined a bridge club in the 1950’s and was a member for over 40 years. After playing bridge for years and years (until February 2011), Florence was really good at it. She and Jim also had a long standing cribbage game and liked playing bridge with old friends. Florence was always agile and active, even into her 70’s she could get up from a sitting position on the floor without using her hands.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Echternkamp, of Seattle, WA, Judy (Larry) Sheppard, of Denver, CO and Jane (William) Patnaude, of Elk Point, SD; son-in-law, Sanford ‘Sandy’ Arnold, of Scottsdale, AZ; 12 grandchildren, Scott Echternkamp, Amy Hageage, Sarah Echternkamp, John Sheppard, Therese Sheppard, Todd (Monica) Sheppard, Megan Arnold (Michael) Wuertz, Dana (Amber) Arnold, Matthew (Mayme) Patnaude, Ryan (Karen) Patnaude, Sarah (Cannon) Gies and Jordan Patnaude; 14 great-grandchildren; her brother, Bert (Edi) Kunz, of Lincoln, NE; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with her husband, Jim, Florence was preceded in death by their daughter, Michele ‘Mike’ Arnold; son-in-law, William Echternkamp; her parents, Donat and Emma Kunz; five brothers; and three sisters.

Rosary Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial with Father Jim Novakowski as celebrant. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. in the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. The memorial book may be signed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, the casket will be open at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland Historic Depot Restoration Project. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.