Stephen Michael Flanagan

Stephen Michael Flanagan, 75, Phoenix Arizona, formerly of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully Thursday, November 6, 2014 at 2:16 a.m. at the Phoenix Hospice of the Valley.

He was born April 9, 1939 to William Edward and Mary Margaret Flanagan in Monmouth, Illinois. He graduated from Avon High School in 1957 and attended Western Illinois University, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1961. While attending WIU he met the love of his life, Nancy J. Urich, marrying her in June of 1961. Mike went on to earn his master’s degree from WIU and his doctorate from University of Northern Colorado, Greeley. He was a charter faculty professor at Southwest Minnesota State University, helping define their Accounting program. Upon leaving SMSU, Mike and Nancy came to Galesburg where Mike became a partner with the CPA firm of Tobin, Clark and Flanagan. After a merge with McGladrey, the family moved to California. When an opportunity arose to come back to Galesburg, Mike became CFO of Dick Blick Co. During his time in Galesburg, Mike was an active member in the community, serving on several boards including St. Mary’s Hospital, YMCA and the Galesburg Ambulance Board. Retiring in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994, Mike and Nancy operated several Subway restaurants with family until 2014. Mike was an avid golfer who loved to play new courses but always considered Soangetaha his favorite course; recently playing his final round there with his grandsons. Spending time with his family brought him the most happiness, whether it be in his living room or on a family vacation.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Mike is survived by his daughter, Kara of Phoenix and son, John and his wife, Sarah of St Charles, Illinois and their two sons, Conor (12) and Jack (9); siblings, Eileen Conover of Galesburg, Bill Flanagan of Peoria, Illinois, Dave Flanagan of Phoenix, and Jean Prina of St. Petersburg, Florida; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. Ernest Pizzamiglio will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Stephen Michael Flanagan Scholarship Fund at Galesburg High School. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.