Rich Flannery, 78

Rich Flannery, 78, was born August 4, 1945 in Pasadena, CA. Rich died January 27, 2024 with Hilda, the love of his life by his side. Rich lived a full life and will be forever remembered by his family and friends as a hardworking man. He learned from an early age the importance of a hard day’s work and strong family values. He believed that sleeping past 7:00 a.m. was a sin. He spent his childhood on the family farm south of Atkinson working in the family hog operation. He attended country school south of Atkinson and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic High School graduating in 1963. During high school he was an avid basketball player and track star. He was also known for getting in some trouble here and there during his high school days.

Rich attended Peru State College earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. While attending college he found a passion for flying while working at the Auburn Airport. He took flying lessons and earned his private pilot’s license. He met the love of his life, Hilda Hofeling at Peru and immediately knew he had found his lifelong partner. They were married in Beatrice, after a short courtship, on July 26, 1969. Two sons and one daughter were born to this union.

Rich and Hilda spent the early years of their marriage living in Elba, where Rich managed a large farming operation. In 1974, Rich moved his young family back to the family farm South of Atkinson where he began working with his dad, John. Rich continued the family hog operation for several years; he then expanded the operation to a successful black Angus cow/ calf operation. Rich was known for being a good businessman, and in 1977 saw the need for hay and mower repairs in the community and Flannery Mower Parts was born. The business started in a tiny shed on the family farm run by Rich, Hilda, and the kids. The business grew exponentially over the years and expanded to Flannery Hay Equipment selling balers, rakes, hay movers and used tractors. The business offered a

full line of haying equipment, parts and repairs. Rich expanded the business in 2005, adding Cherry County Implement in Valentine. Rich will always be known for being a wheeler and dealer. Over the years Rich was a mentor to many young men in both the farming and business arena, and passed on his knowledge to many. Rich enjoyed putting up his own hay and was still giving instructions to his grandsons about how to do it the right way until the very end. Rich taught his children the importance of education and a hard day’s work, and made sure that each of his kids had the opportunity to receive a college education.

Rich will always be remembered for working hard, but he also found time to travel and enjoy life. Rich’s love of flying continued through the years. His pride and joy was his red and white 1947 Stinson Station Wagon airplane. He claims, “Mom made him sell it.” Over the years Rich went on several hunting, fishing, and motorcycle trips. Rich loved camping, traveling and exploring new places. Rich and Hilda took several trips across the country with their 5th wheel camper, and enjoyed passing the cold winter months as “snowbirds” in Yuma, AZ where they enjoyed a small retirement home. Even in Arizona Rich was always “looking for a bargain,” and enjoyed going to flea markets, tinkering, and building in his little shop. Rich also enjoyed attending multiple school activities of his seven grandchildren.

Rich is a longtime member of the Atkinson Lion’s Club, the “College of Knowledge” morning coffee crew, and a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Rich will be greatly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, business partners, customers and a host of friends and extended family. He has left a great legacy behind.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda of Atkinson; children, Scott (Samantha) Flannery of Mission, SD, TJ Flannery of Atkinson, and Jeanne (Mike) Laible of Atkinson; grandchildren, Jacob Flannery, Nathan Flannery, Emma Laible, Cole Laible, and Max, Charlie, and Olive Flannery; siblings, Barb Preusker of O’Neill, Jack (Sharie) Flannery of Atkinson, and Cathy (Jeff) Gokie of Columbus.

Rich was preceded in death by his parents John and Olive (Prussa) Flannery.