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1941 - 2022

BORN

1941

DIED

2022

About

Bishop Noll Institute University of Notre Dame

Francis Flanagan Obituary

Francis (Frank) Flanagan passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at Center For Hospice Care, Mishawaka, Indiana.

Frank was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Sept. 23, 1941, to Patrick and Ruth (Curda) Flanagan. On Dec. 10, 1966, in Michigan City, Indiana, he married Sandra Bartels, who preceded him in death on Sept. 9, 1997. Surviving are one son, Patrick (Holly) Flanagan of Lynnwood, Washington; sisters, Ruth (Vince) Runfola of Danville, California, and Helen (Jeff) Harold of Antioch, Illinois; and grandchildren, Noah and Olivia Simorjay of Lynnwood, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Patrick; and sister, Mary.

Frank graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in Gary, Indiana, in 1959, and the University of Notre Dame in 1963 with a communications degree. Frank then served in the Air Force from 1964 to 1968, stationed in Samsun, Turkey, and Fort Meade, Maryland.

After his time in the service, he entered radio, starting as a news and sports broadcaster for WLOI-AM in La Porte, Indiana. Frank made Michigan City, Indiana, his longtime home as news director for WIMS-AM during the early to mid 1970s. He then started his human resources career as human resources manager for Joy Manufacturing and PSW Industries in Michigan City, and Foamex in La Porte. He retired in 2012 after serving as human resources manager for the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, South Bend, Indiana, for 10-plus years.

Frank enjoyed all sports, Notre Dame Football and Basketball (men's and women's) were his favorites. Other must watch teams were the Chicago Bears and White Sox, but not the Cubs. He also loved movies (favorites were "The Quiet Man," "High Noon," and Flash Gordon serials), fictional detective/crime TV shows, concerts and golf.

Frank was a longtime member of and Lector for Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. He also loved participating in Michigan City Exchange Club meetings and activities, and enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels in his retirement.

The family will be holding a private celebration of life at a later date. In place of flowers, please make a donation in Frank's memory to Center For Hospice Care at cfhcare.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Porte County Herald-Dispatch on Jan. 14, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Francis Flanagan

2 Entries

BILL CROMER

January 20, 2022

SO MANY FOND MEMORIES OF FRANK AND I DOING SLICER BASEBALL GAMES FOR WLOI/WCOE IN THE 70'S. FRANK WAS THE NEWS AND SPORTS DIRECTOR WHEN I STARTED THERE IN 1972 UP UNTIL HE LEFT FOR WIMS.FRANK HAD SUCH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR. MY WIFE AND I HAD A CHANCE TO GO OUT AND EAT WITH FRANK AT HACIENDA (RIGHT NEAR HIS APARTMENT) WHILE HE WAS STILL WORKING FOR THE SOUTH BEND AIRPORT. IT WAS GREAT TO SEE FRANK ONCE AGAIN AFTER ABOUT 35 YEARS. MISS YOU OLE BUDDY. REST IN PEACE.

John Russ

January 17, 2022

A lifetime ago, I wanted to be on radio and I got my wish by being the dinner relief guy at WLOI. This was during the heyday of Dick Manning, Bill Cromer, Bob Holmes and, of course, Frank Flanagan. It was a bit overwhelming at times, fearing a mistake and watching the professionals do their thing.

Of all of the on-air personalities, Frank was one that I looked up to the most. He had a news voice and he was the first voice that you heard in the morning. We always listened to WLOI in the morning. When the Slicers played, it was Frank again. You couldn't miss hearing him but missed him when you didn't. He was the rock.

I sorry to hear of his passing and hope that your memories of him sustain you during your time of grief.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

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