Brian Royale Flanagan

Brian Royale Flanagan, 67, passed away on April 4th, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Born into a close-knit family as the youngest of seven, Brian's early life was filled with camping trips and countless adventures with his dad and family, often traveling to the most remote locations in the U.S. He remained close to his siblings and many nieces and nephews, attending parties and playing lively card games.

Brian spent much of his career as a software engineer at G.E. Medical Systems. Each summer, however, he traded computer code for open roads, traveling the country via RV with his wife, Kelly, and their three children—often returning to his favorite place, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Adventures with his family included watching an avalanche in Jasper, Canada, hiking mountain trails in Glacier National Park, and backpacking Isle Royale. Retirement opened up a wonderful new world of playing pickleball daily, spending time with his four treasured grandchildren, wintering in Florida, walking with his wife, and frequent visits with his adult children.

Mostly, Brian was an adventurer, avid pickleball player, and proud father and grandfather. He will be most remembered for his love of learning, ability to repair just about anything, and his quiet wisdom that didn't need to be loud to be felt.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kelly; his children, Megan, Patrick (Laura), and Molly (Kurt) Shea; and his grandchildren, Blythe Dobbs, Emerson Shea, Stella Shea, and Jack Flanagan. He is also survived by his siblings, Kathy Standau, Maureen Kivela (Robert), Sean Flanagan (Sue) and Erin Heikkila (John); his mother-in-law, Kay Armstrong; his sisters- and brothers-in-law; along with 17 nieces and nephews and 29 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Martha; his father-in-law, Larry Armstrong; his sisters, Patrice and Margaret (Peggy) Flanagan; and his nephew, Michael Flanagan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 12 from 12-2 PM at The Lawrence Venue, N56W21318 Silver Spring Dr, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the United Blood Cancer Foundation or the Lake Country Pickleball Club in Oconomowoc.