Jimmy D. Flakne

Jimmy Darold Flakne, age 93, a lifelong resident of the Cannon Falls area, died on Sunday afternoon, March 29, 2026 at Cannon Rivers Senior Living, Cannon Falls.

Jimmy was born in Belle Creek, MN, the son of Arnold and Marian (Carlstrom) Flakne. He was confirmed at Spring Garden Lutheran Church. He has been a member of Wangen Prairie Church for over 85 years. Jimmy was raised and worked on the family farm. He graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1949 at the age of 17 years. 

Jimmy met Jean Clare while she was in high school. They married on December 4, 1954, at First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, and they raised three children together.

He enlisted with the US Army in 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1957, then fulfilled his national guard service until 1961. He worked several jobs before he became a machinist at Waterous until retiring after 42 years. He also did punch press, driving cattle truck for Zimmermans, and was a cement truck operator. He attended St. Paul Vocational for carpentry and started JD Flakne Construction.

Jimmy loved his family. He was active in his church and community, and loved volunteering and helping others. He helped with Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, VFW and American Legion Posts, and the Jaycees. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, and was a jack of all trades. He had a great sense of humor, loved telling stories, and playing practical jokes.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Jean on February 5, 2024; a daughter in infancy; his parents; his parents-in-law, Asa and Vonda Clare; brother, Donald; sister, Marlis Erickson; brothers-in-law, Robert Sellner, Richard and Ken Clare; and favorite pets, dog Villus and horse Midnight.

He is survived by three children, Steve (Anne) Flakne of Burnsville, Wendy (Tom) Sampson of Cannon Falls, and Debra (Tim) Ericksen of Apple Valley; five grandchildren, Shannon (Lance) Groth, Kyle and Josie Ericksen, Jack Sampson (Madie Rapp), and Sadie (Ethan) Ellefson; eleven great-grandchildren, Abby, Brayden, Brielle, Carter, Lynora, Abel, Leo, Airabella, Brooklyn, Cooper, and Amauri; sister, Kay Sellner of Lakeville; and siblings-in-law, David (Charlene) Clare, Jerry (Sue) Clare, Ron (Marie) Clare, Linda (Ken) Rapp, Gail (Jim) Kronmiller, Karen (Bill) Wambach, Pam (Craig) Johnson, and Cheryl (Irv) Harty; and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 2 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN 55009. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 10-11 a.m., at Wangen Prairie Lutheran Church, 34289 Co 24 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN.

Pallbearers will be Jack Sampson, Kyle Ericksen, Tom Sampson, Tim Ericksen, Lance Groth, and Ethan Ellefson.

A military honors farewell will be held directly after the funeral service outside of church.

Interment will be at a later date at the church cemetery.