Mary Flanigan
Meppen | Save
Mary Ann Flanigan, 96, of Meppen, passed away on March 31, 2026.
She was born in the family’s rock house in Michael, IL on July 5, 1929, the second of eleven children born to Valentine C. and Evelyn (Meyers) Klunk. She attended St. Michael’s Grade School in Michael, St. John’s High School in Carrollton, and graduated from Greenfield High School with the class of 1948. For a short time, she worked at the former Morgan Hotel in Jerseyville. On August 25, 1948, she married Marvin Flanigan at St. Michael’s Church in Greenfield. He brought his bride back to Calhoun, and they shared life on the farm in Meppen for 59 years, until his death on March 3, 2008.
She was a member of St. Joseph’s Church and served the parish in many capacities. She was a caring person, and when still able to drive, often spent Sunday afternoons visiting friends at Calhoun Care Center. Being the olden big sister in her family, she was a second mother to her younger siblings. She enjoyed seeing a clean house and shared this enthusiasm with several neighbors and friends when she happily made their home sparkle. For many years she was known as the lady who drove the 57’ Chevy.
She is survived by five children: Theresa (Jim) Johnes of Batchtown, Bill Flanigan of Arnold, MO, Sister Anna Marie Flanigan, OSF, of Peoria, Kathy (Joe) Schulte of Meppen, and Albert Flanigan of Bridgeton, MO; ten grandchildren, Dennis (Jeanne) Johnes, Melanie (Jon) Tepen, Paula (Andy) Johnson, Janet (Terry) Smith, Karen (Jeff) Spink, Sandra Flanigan (Fiancé Brent), Matt (Tab) Schulte, Eric (Karla) Schulte, Josh (Becky) Flanigan, and Jamie Flanigan (Kevin); fifteen Great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are eight siblings, Marjorie Jones of Kampsville, Doris McEuen of East Alton, Jim Klunk of Fieldon, Theresa Schultz of CA, Rita (Sam) Perry of KY, Alice (Alan) Clune of VA, Helen Whited of Brighton, and Barbara (John) Kane of OH; and one sister-in-law, Pat Klunk of Morton, IL.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arthur Lee Paul Klunk and Valentine J. Klunk; and three granddaughters, Angela Johnes (1996) and Laura Lisa Johnes (1979).
Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Gress, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin. A prayer service will begin at 3:30 p.m. followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
A mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Church in Meppen with Fr. Don Roberts officiating.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Calhoun Volunteer Ambulance, St. Joseph Cemetery, or Masses.
Online condolences can be made at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home
