Sean Flaherty

Sean Timothy Flaherty, 59, of Albert Lea, passed away on August 12, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, MN, following a four-year battle with cancer.

Born on August 3, 1966, in Mason City, Iowa, Sean was the son of Denis and Ellen Flaherty. He graduated from Pacelli Catholic High School in 1984. Sean went on to graduate from Iowa Lakes Community College and then attended Mankato State University. Sean started his career at Flaherty Auto and Truck Center in Algona, Iowa, joining the family business. His dedication and passion for his work motivated him to continue advancing within the family business, leading him to positions in Fairmont, Minnesota, and subsequently in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

On April 28, 1990, Sean married Kristen Smith at St John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, MN. Together, they shared 35 years and raised three wonderful children: Kathryn, Laura, and Michael. A devoted father, Sean showed his love through countless acts of service.

Known for his dry wit and sharp sense of humor, Sean had a passion for cars—both in his profession and as a favorite pastime. He loved Oldsmobiles in particular,and could often be found at car shows in the area. Sean looked forward to the annual vacation to Gull Lake, where he cherished moments spent with family. Sean’s generosity knew no bounds, as he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He was a hard worker and dedicated to his craft.

In addition to his wife, Kristen Flaherty, those left to cherish Sean’s memory include his three children, Kathryn Flaherty (Jayden Fangmeier), Laura Flaherty (Noah Karge), and Michael Flaherty (Lara Westrum); his mother, Ellen Flaherty; a sister, Steph (Brian) Pfeiffer, and her children, Reilly, Delaney, and Quinn; in-laws, Gene and Jeanette Smith; longtime friend and co-worker, Jay Montag; several extended family members; countless friends; and grand-pups, Henry, Milo, Gus, Kodak, and Stella.

Sean was preceded in death by his father, Denis Flaherty; paternal grandparents, Larry and Kathleen Flaherty; and maternal grandparents, Matt and Vera Schmitt.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, in Albert Lea, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM at church. The family will also receive friends at a visitation to be held from 4:00-7:00PM on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services, in Albert Lea.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Hormel Institute Research Fund, 801 16th Ave. NE, Austin, MN, 55912 or to St. Theodore Catholic Church, 308 E Fountain St, Albert Lea, MN 56007.

A special thank you to the compassionate team at the Albert Lea Cancer Center for their unwavering support and exceptional care. Their kindness and dedication made a lasting difference in Sean’s journey, and we are deeply grateful.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral and Cremation Service. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the live stream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.