John F. Flaherty

John F. Flaherty, 77, Superior, died Saturday, July 27, 2013 at the Lighthouse of Superior.

He was born on May 16, 1936 in Superior to Patrick and Martha (Ruff) Flaherty.

He graduated from the former Cathedral High School in 1954.
John served his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957 where he also served in the Honor Guard.

He married Mary Ellen Gorman on September 7, 1957 at the former St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Superior and celebrated fifty-five years of marriage.

He was employed as a switchman for the Soo Line Railroad for thirty-seven years. John also worked as a weigh master for the Wisconsin Grain Commission for many years.

John was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. He was an avid fisherman who loved fishing trout on the Brule River.

In addition to his wife Mary Ellen, John is survived by one daughter, Colleen Flaherty-Basinski, Superior; two sons, Dan (Bridget) Flaherty, Velva, ND, Todd (Sue Tokkesdal) Flaherty, Superior; four grandchildren, Eric Basinski, Ian Flaherty, Mary Flaherty and Rebecca (Jon) Coyle; two great-grandchildren, Eathon and Aidan; one sister Margaret Plachta, Superior; one brother Thomas (Frances) Flaherty, Superior and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Richard.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the 11:00 Memorial Mass on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. James Tobolski as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Francis Cemetery where Military Honors will be accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard.

John’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be recognized as honorary pallbearers.

John’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at St. Francis Home in the Park, the Lighthouse of Superior and St. Luke’s Hospice for the wonderful care and compassion they offered John throughout his illness.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.