Robert E. Flynn

Benton Harbor – Robert Emmett Flynn, 79 of Coloma, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, at Starks and Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home. Robert was born on March 21, 1930, the first day of spring in Chicago, IL to Jerimiah and Mary (O’Malley) Flynn. Bob loved life and lived it to its fullest. He cherished every moment he spent with his family and friends. He was employed by Walgreen Drugstores for 36 years, the last as a regional sales manager, he retired in 1980. He purchased a Hall of Cards gift store in Riverside, IL with his wife Susie. Bob was in the Navy during the Korean War, attached to the Marine Division as a medical corpsman. He spent most of his military service in Japan and Subic Bay, Philippines. Bob loved traveling, telling stories and spending time with friends. He was well known as the one who taught all the youngsters how to drive. Many a story will not be forgotten. He had a great wit. He loved the casinos & especially black jack. A beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan to him was a treasure to never forget. Bob got to live a lifetime dream of going to Ireland in 2007 with his daughter Kathleen. Bob is survived by his wife, Susie, daughters, Kathleen Flynn Urrea (Ramon) of St. Joseph and Sally Preto (Norm Volpe) of Chicago, IL and a son, Rob Flynn (Kim Larson) of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Diane Hiatt (Anthony Barrientos) of Chicago, IL, Kristopher Urrea and Julianne Urrea of St. Joseph, MI, Shannon Flynn and Emmett Flynn of Seattle, WA and Michael Preto of Chicago, IL and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary, father, Jerimiah, six brothers, Kevin, James, Al, Jerry, Joseph and John, little sister, Mary, and a beloved daughter, Molly. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospice at Home or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.