"He was molded by a great family.. So it was no surprise he went as far as he did.. He was always as nice as they came when ever I saw him ...Sorry for your loss.."
In loving memory of
Michael John Flynn
June 23, 2016
Michael John Flynn, 48, of Alexandria, Virginia, formerly of Quincy, IL unexpectedly passed away on June 23, 2016 from heart failure.
Mike was born on October 19, 1967 in Quincy, IL, the son of John and Alana (Smith) Flynn. He attended St. Peter Grade School and graduated from Quincy Senior High in 1985. Upon graduation, Mike attended Gymnasium Horn in Bremen, Germany during the summer of 1985. He attended the University of Iowa. While there, he served as the Vice-President/Treasurer of Phi Eta Sigma, National Honor Society and was a Congressman at the Liberal Arts Student Association.
Mike was a true American Patriot and spent more than 20 years fighting for the Conservative Reform Movement. Mike had a long and distinguished career in politics. From starting his first job as a general manager at his family's Coca-Cola plant, to working in Illinois politics in a variety of campaign and policy positions, Mike worked hard and made many friends along the way. He came to Washington, D.C. to make a difference and held a variety of legislative, policy and lobbying positions with the American Legislative Exchange Council, Berman and Company, and the Reason Foundation.
Mike was a founding editor of the groundbreaking conservative news site Breitbart News Network and BigGovernement.com. Mike spear-headed Breitbart's roll-out of the Acorn video series when Big Government first launched in 2009. He also hosted a popular radio show on NewsTalk 98.3 FM.
Mike fought hard to represent the people of Quincy when he ran for U.S. Congress last summer.
While Mike had a successful career in politics, the most important thing to Mike was his wife, four children, parents and siblings. He was an amazing son, brother, father, husband, and uncle. In addition, he committed to sobriety in 2014 and was proud of his involvement with Alcoholics Anonymous.
Mike was preceded in death by his brother, John James Flynn; paternal grandparents, John and Elsa Flynn; and maternal grandparents, Richard and Betty Smith.
Mike is survived by his wife, Holly, married July 4, 2013 in Quincy; ex-wife Maura; daughter, Riley; step-children, Declan, Grace, and Binx. He is the beloved brother of Bridget Flynn of Quincy, Libby (Ted) Brunsvold of Chicago, IL, and Jim (Paige) Flynn of Lincoln, NE; adored uncle of Lauren, Grace, and Madison Brunsvold and Ava, Sophie, and Jack Flynn.
Services: A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 29th at 10 a.m. in the Church of St. Peter with Monsignor Leo Enlow officiating.
Visitation: Tuesday, June 28th from 4pm to 7pm at the Church of St. Peter
Burial: Calvary Cemetery
Memorials: Flynn Family Education Fund
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Bridgette and family, so very sorry for your loss. The world has lost a bright star but heaven has gained one. Keeping all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers."
"Dear Flynn and Brunsvold Families, We are so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. Words cannot express our deep sadness for all of you. Our prayers are with you on this difficult walk. May God grant Michael eternal peace. All our Love, Jeff, Sallie and Eloise"
"Libby, My deepest condolences at your loss. He was a real fighter. I had no idea he was your brother. Although, I didn't know him, we had a mutual friend and I heard of his passing on Friday and was shocked. I am so very sorry. You are in my thoughts. Joe"
"Dear Alana, John and family. It is sad to think about your devastating loss. Michael's light shone brightly as he lived his conviction for a better world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember his quick wit, sparkle in his eyes, and smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers are with you!"
"Dear Flynn Family, My prayers are with each of you in your bereavement. While I did not know Mike personally, I was a great admirer of his work at Breitbart. His committment and love for our country always came through in his writing. He will be greatly missed."
"So sorry to hear of your loss. My family's deep sympathies to yours."
"Dear Flynn Family, I was very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike Murphy"
"Brigette, I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. Love, Gretchen Huseman Dunn"
"Dear Flynn Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Love, Bill, Leslie, Audrey and Ava Senne Chicago"
"John and Alana, Was shocked to hear of Michael's death. Did not know him personally, but saw a lot of him in the Peoria area when he ran in the primary for Congress. You have my deepest sympathy and give the same to his wife and children."
"To the Flynn family, You have my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. may Gods love and strength surround you all. Greg Lueckenhoff"
"I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. What a tragic loss. I have so many fond memories of working with him at the IL General Assembly. Mike was so awesome. Best wishes to his entire damily"
"Our deepest condolences to entire family. Curtis and Cindy Spake"
"Reading this with great sadness for Libby and the entire Flynn family. This pain is like no other to lose a brother and a son. My heart aches for The family. Mike was a smart, inventive and driving force who I will always remember. He was fun, his laughter infectious and someone I looked up to. May his soul rest in the hands of God."
"I will long remember the conversation Mike and I had at Morton's in DC while attending CPAC (2010). He recognized the 'existential threat' (his words) our nation was under (and still is) and was committed to doing something about it. He was a true patriot and friend of this nation."
"Alana and John--Our deepest sympathy to you. God works in His own way and we know that is for the best. Our prayers are with you."
"Rest in peace, Mike."
"I am so sorry. Mike was a friend, and he was a Patriot. I never forgot his story of Knute Rockne. He was a light in darkness, and a champion of truth. He will be missed. Condolences to the Flynn Family."
"We are so very sorry for your loss. We had the pleasure of working with Mike on the House Republican staff. He was bright, witty and irreverent and we enjoyed working with him. God Bless."
"Alana & John, you are in our thoughts & prayers during this terrible unexpected loss. God bless you & your family."
"Thinking of you Brigitte and your family ."
"Alana and John and all your family , We are so sad to hear of Michael's sudden passing. There are no words for us to express how saddened we are. We hold you in our hearts and prayers. Barb & Rick"
"This loss is indescribable. We are praying for our Flynns."
"Dear John, Alana and Brigitte, I am lost for words for the death of your son and brother Michael. I will have masses said at St. Rose for his soul. My prayers are for you all. Paul K. Geers"
"Alana and John and everyone.......We were so shocked to hear about Michael....I don't have a clue of a thing to say to help you but wanted you to know we are thinking of you all. Jane and Ralph"
"Brigitte I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!"
"Dear Flynn Family, What a tragedy to lose Michael. Thinking of you. Sincerely, Dick & Pat Wentura"