Willard Flinn

Willard Flinn, age 94, passed away on November 22, 2025, while with his family in Portage, Michigan. He was born on August 11, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, to Catherine (Willard) and Joseph Flinn.

His parents moved the family to Pontiac, Michigan in 1935. They moved to a home on a lake where he and his sister, Frances, and brother, Michael, enjoyed the water and rural outdoors. Willard joined State Farm Insurance in the early 1950’s when the company was new to Michigan. He was a sales agent and a manager, playing a key role in recruiting a sales force and developing a presence of State Farm in the upper peninsula. Eventually he had the opportunity to return to his favorite place…Gaylord and Otsego County. There he spent the rest of his working years as the local State Farm agent. He became very active in the community serving on the Board of Education, the Board of Directors of Gaylord State Bank, and the Civil Air Patrol.

He had a keen interest in flying and after getting his private pilot license, he purchased his own plane often taking family and friends on flights over northern Michigan. He had many interests centered around his family and had a passion for golfing, deer hunting, and downhill and cross-country skiing (which he did into his 80’s). Willard and Mary traveled extensively and enjoyed ball room dancing. They loved going to Mackinac Island for “Somewhere in Time” weekends where there was plenty of music and dancing in period costumes. Willard was always focused, positive, principled, generous to many causes and a person of great faith.

He is survived by his wife, Mary, his brother Michael (Jane) Flinn, children Duncan (Mary Ann) Flinn, Evelyn Flinn, and Carrie (Michael) Prendergast. The grandchildren include, Elizabeth (Justin) Cary, Rachel (Scott) Robinson, Katherine (Jay) Peterson, and Neal Prendergast. Great grandchildren include Brandy and Justin Cary, Quinn Robinson, Liam Burns, and Noah and Norah Prendergast. He was predeceased by his parents and sister, Frances.

Funeral services will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 1150 W. Centre Ave, Portage, MI on Friday, December 12, 2025.The visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.