"Oh Johnny - RIP old friend. Tommy and Glenda Litz"
In loving memory of
John E. Flanagan
March 19, 1923 - May 20, 2015
John E. Flanagan, 92, of Ft. Lauderdale passed away on the day of the 53rd anniversary of his marriage to Karen, May 20, 2015. He was born March 19, 1923, in Escanaba, Michigan.
John was a famous ice skating comedian and producer of the long-running ice show, "Stars on Ice," at the Sheraton Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale Beach from 1964 to 1980. His in-demand act, "The Wacky Wac," was a tourist must see.
After high school, John served in the U.S. Army in the 10th Mtn. Div. elite Ski Troops during the World War II Italian Campaign. His kind heart led him to share most of his daily rations with the Italian children who came to the Army camp daily looking for food .
After his discharge, John starred in the Sonja Henie Ice Revue, Ice Capades, Roxy Theatre, Hotel New Yorker, Chicago Stevens, Lido in Paris and countless other venues around the world.
John loved life and especially to make people laugh with his unique sense of humor. He has been cared for the last five years by his loving and devoted wife, Karen in their very happy home.
In addition to Karen, John is survived by their daughter, Robin Balster (Tim) of Darien, IL; grandsons, Douglas and William; sisters, Margaret Narus of Erie, PA; Joan Lee of Escanaba, MI and Barbara Larmay of Hemet, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia VanStett of Milwaukee, WI.
There will be a private committal service for the family at Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Lauderdale.
Contributions given in memory of John can be directed to Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org) or to VFW Post 1966, 350 SW 25th Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315.
Tributes
"I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies to Karen and Robin. I remember good skating times as a performer in your shows and remember John as always busy...busy...busy. "
"My deepest sympathies to Karen and her daughter, Robin. I always have a special place in my heart for John and The Sheraton days. You kept me smiling and I am sure you will be very missed."
"Our deepest sympathies. Although we did not know John in his early years, we will remember him with smiles. How often he made us laugh with his clever antics - not least his brilliant (false) teeth! Laughter will be his legacy and we know he is much missed"
"We are very sorry for your loss. John and Beverly are skating in heaven.
Warm Regards,
Joe Hlay and Family"
"Sorry for your loss, John was a Great, Great person! All my love.
George Kramser"
"I'm very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the future promise found at Revelation 21:4 which says,Ā "He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore." It's my sincere hope that you are comforted by this promise as you endure this time of great loss. "
"I'm sorry for your loss, I to know what it feels to lose a loved one to death. For many death seems to be a part of life. It's during times such as these that we can find comfort in the Bible. Psalms 34:18 assures us that God is near to those broken in heart and those crushed in spirit he saves. He also promises that we will be able to see our loved ones again. "There is going to be a resurrection"-Acts 24:15. Also, Revelation 21:4 gives us great hope of seeing our loved ones again: "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. John 5: 28, 29, Acts 24: 15, are also text with hope that someday we can see our loved ones again. We need not fear anymore for God has promise in Isaiah 25:8 that he will swallow up death forever" what great joy to be able to live forever without the fear of losing our loved ones again. We all hope for that."
"Thank you for calling us last week. Barbara and I are so sad to hear of John's passingš??¢ and so very sorry for your loss. You were certainly blessed to have each other for so many years, and John was especially blessed to have you to take care of him these last years when his mental and physical health began to fail. John was truly a legend in his own time...and along side nearly every successful man is a great woman. You certainly fit that bill, and then some. We are eagerly looking forward to coming down to visit soon and please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you. We both love you dearly. See you soon...Norman and Barbara "
"Karen & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
I wish I would have had the chance to know this man better. He always had some great stories to tell at our class reunions of JDP Class of 1953. Sorry we can not be in Fort Lauderdale at this difficult time. We will be in Marquette the 3rd week in July if you are there at this time. We would love to hear of some of his life's stories with you.
Hugs to you and family, dear friend."
"Karen and Robin- always enjoyed his skating routine! Thoughts and prayers to you and yours."
"Always so much fun being with you and John. He will be missed. We love you all so much. "
"Karen, we were so glad to have visited in Fort Lauderdale this year and to see your "memory room," so full of the wonderful memories of your life with John. We will all miss him. Our thoughts are with you. Dave and Jan"
"Our condolences. We loved John and will think back fondly on the many laughs we had with him. Rob and Kris"
"My sincere condolences to Mrs. Flanagan and to all of John's family and friends."