On April 17, 2017, at the age of 68, Joel Flynn peacefully passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana surrounded by his loving family after a heroic 19-year battle with prostate cancer.
Joel was born May 17, 1948, in Townsend, Montana, to Frank Flynn and Rose Sanz Flynn. He was the firstborn, later joined by five brothers and two sisters.
Joel was born into a hard working cattle and sheep ranch family. As the oldest, he took on many chores as a child, learning responsibility at an early age. He faithfully milked cows, tended chickens, helped with the family gardening, fed bum lambs, and later advanced to working in the fields. Joel always had a passion for agriculture.
Joel attended Townsend schools and graduated from Broadwater High School (BHS) in 1966. After high school, Joel enrolled at Montana State University (MSU). In Joel’s freshman year of college, he began dating high school senior and Townsend native, Peggy Christie. Peggy also began attending MSU that next year and their friendship began to develop from their many rides to and from Bozeman.
The summer before his senior year in 1969, Joel attended ROTC training camp at Fort Lewis. Before leaving, Joel proposed to Peggy, the love of his life. They married upon his return from training on September 6, 1969, in Townsend, Montana, and honeymooned at Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada. They welcomed their daughter, Jennifer, in 1976; son, Brandon, in 1978; and son, Roger, in 1984.
Joel graduated from MSU in 1970 with a degree in Agricultural Production. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army.
Joel began active duty in the United States Army in January of 1971. He and Peggy spent the next two years at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and Fort Knox, Kentucky, returning to the ranch in 1973. Joel spent the remainder of his life building a beautiful legacy for his children and grandchildren by creating and expanding Flynn Hay and Grain, producing wheat and commercial alfalfa.
Joel was a life-long learner and was never intimidated by trying something new. Joel was a jack of all trades: architect, farmer, cattleman, electrician, weed-sprayer, concrete layer, welder, craftsman, carpenter, pinochle strategist, semi-truck driver, hiker, fly tyer, videographer, poet, model train engineer, wedding and wildlife photographer, tech-guru, and visionary. He created a video for each BHS graduating class between 1995 and 2003, enjoying getting to know the seniors as they worked together. One of Joel’s other great joys was to envision, develop, and create a cabin for all his family to enjoy. One final skill Joel strived to learn in his last days was to fly a drone. He and his sons spent happy hours during the last couple months exploring the farm with the aircraft. He loved seeing his fields from a new vantage point and saw that the drone was a helpful tool in his quest to increase farm production.
Joel was a man of grit, a man of detail, a man of hard work, and a good steward of the land. He was industrious and innovative. He strived year after year to raise the bar from the season before by increasing the quantity and quality of the crops he raised.
In 1998, Joel was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which would shape the next 19 years of his life, as well as the lives of his family. When first diagnosed with cancer, Joel had many tests and visited with many doctors. Each time when there was a chance it would be good news or bad news, it seemed like it was always bad news. But for every door that was closed to Joel, there was always a door opened to him. Among those open doors was treatment at Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was treated there for several months in 1998. In those lonely hours enduring treatments and sickness Joel pondered his life and faith. A friend gave Joel Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, and as he read it he realized there was a side of life he did not know existed. Through the hopelessness of his cancer diagnosis and prognosis, Joel found hope in Jesus Christ on August 29, 1998. As a result of his faith, he served faithfully in many roles in the church, but his greatest passion was men’s discipleship. He hosted a men’s Bible study in his home for many years and his faith grew the most in relationship with these men.
Joel clung to the hope of Jesus as he navigated the ups and downs of the continuous battle with the terminal cancer that would ravage his body. Refusing to relent, he chose to suffer through many surgeries, treatments, and lifestyle changes in an effort to slow the progression of the disease. Even though cancer finally took his life, Joel was ultimately victorious. He lives eternally with his Savior.
Joel’s real joy was his nine grandchildren. He particularly enjoyed reading storybooks to them; teaching them how to garden; taking them fishing, boating, gopher hunting, horseback riding, and taking them on many motorcycle and ATV rides across the fields. His greatest desire for them was that they come to have a personal relationship with the Lord. A children’s Bible video called “Superbook,” with a lesson taught by grandpa was a weekly Friday occurrence.
In the last three weeks of his life, Joel, fighting nausea and increasing weakness and exhaustion, pushed on. He spent more time with the grandkids, plowed 550 acres readying fields for spring planting, ran the dozer for several hours, hauled several semi-loads of wheat to Three Forks and one load to Butte, and attended church one last time. He did what he loved until he could do no more.
Joel was pre-deceased by his mother and father, Frank and Rose Flynn; brother, Steven Flynn; and Peggy’s parents, Ruth and Doug Christie.
Joel will be missed by his wife, Peggy, of 47 years; children, Jennifer (Todd) Beatty, Brandon (Vanessa) Flynn, and Roger (Grace) Flynn; and his precious grandchildren, Anna and Andrew Beatty; Nolan, Chloe, Felix and Sevigne Flynn; and Jayden, Kaylee, and Elston Flynn. He is also survived by siblings: Gary (Theresa) Flynn, Loralee (David) Wilkey, Kelly (Jill) Flynn, Kevin (Nora) Flynn, Bryan (Emulyn) Flynn, Terey (Dan) Artz, and sister-in-law, Sharon Flynn; and Peggy’s sisters: Jeannie (Bill) Flechsenhar, Betti (Rick) Hill, and Sally (Brad) Dundas. Joel is also survived by his Aunt Louise Flynn and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family especially thanks the St. Peter’s Hospital Cancer Treatment Center’s staff. Dr. Thomas Weiner and the fleet of nurses and support people were a constant source of medical expertise, comfort, hope, encouragement, and compassion during the many years Joel was treated there. Also, hospital volunteers, Norm Hanpa and Mary Ann Akers tended to Joel’s every need as he received his infusions over the years as the dear nurses provided medical care. In his last days of life as a patient in the hospital, the oncology floor staff provided loving, caring, professional service to Joel making him the most comfortable he had been in months. We will always be grateful.
Joel’s family also wishes to give a special thank you to dear friends Tyler Helgerson and Dwight Dyk, for their love and faithful ministry to Joel in his last months. Thank you to all the many friends and family that ministered to Joel during his illness at home and his final days at the hospital. You all made a wonderful difference in his life. Joel loved you deeply and was grateful to be involved in your lives.
Joel’s last earthly gift was to give sight to two blind people through the donation of his corneas.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
The family would treasure any written memories you may have of Joel. A basket will be made available at the viewing and the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Yellowstone Alliance Adventures: 13707 Cottonwood Canyon Road, Bozeman, MT 59718; Florence Crittenton: 901 N. Harris, Helena, MT 59601; or Options Clinic: 1005 Partridge Place, Ste. 1, Helena, MT 59602. Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Joel.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 22, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 22, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 22, 2017
Broadwater Elemetary School Multi-purpose Room
201 N. Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m.
Friday April 21, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Saturday April 22, 2017
Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church
20 Trailhead Drive
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday April 22, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday April 22, 2017
Broadwater Elemetary School Multi-purpose Room
201 N. Spruce Street
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Chris and Michele Christensen says
Peggy, Jennifer, Brandon, and Roger Please know how sorry we are. Joel put up a gallant fight and as we watched and prayed for him we admired him and his family. Your family has been such an influence in our lives. There was always something exciting happening with the Flynns. Through good times and hard times we have learned about dignity, grace and friendship. We pray for you now and know that you will ever be blessed because of the goodness of Joel. Our hugs and prayers come to you from afar. We love you all- Chris and Michele Christensen
Cary Hegreberg says
To Joel’s family,
We offer our condolences, thoughts and prayers as you grieve with the passing of this fine man. When we first moved to Townsend 20 years ago, Joel and Peggy were so helpful with our daughter Kristin’s 4-H lambs. We were outsiders who were welcomed over and over by various members of the Flynn family, including Joel, who always had a kind word. Thank you for your service to our community and we wish you all great things ahead.
Cary and Shirley Hegreberg
Amanda Domino says
Dear Peggy and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joel always greeted us with a loving smile on his face that surely was showing all that was in his heart. His kindness will be carried in all who knew him. May God carry you through your sorrow.
Jim and Amanda Domino
Tom Murphy says
Peggy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Joel as a kind man. May some wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Jeri Johnson says
Dear Flynn Family,
I’m sorry for the lost of a kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather but I also rejoice in knowing that Joel is with his Heavenly Father watching over all his family and land that he loves so much.
I remember going out to the Joel and Peggy’s house in high school for youth activities and the first thing I could feel when walking through the doors was that you were home cause that is excetly how the Flynns made you feel.
Know that I am thinking of and will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
John Poole says
Thoughts and prayers with all. Joel was an example to us all in so many ways.
Teresa Graham says
Peggy and family, I am so very for the loss of Joel. He was as giant of a man whose strength and faith was inspiring. May you many happy memories of a life well lived give you strength to endure your loss. My thoughts and prayer are with you. God’s peace and blessings, Teresa
Sara Visser Murgel says
Jen and family- your dad sounds like an amazing man. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you and praying for you during this difficult time.
Shea and Angie Fitzgibbons says
I will always reflect fondly upon Joel’s demeanor to be fully present with me when we visited. He had such a warm and approachable nature that demonstrated the love of Christ. Thank you for crafting such a wonderful tribute to him by what you’ve written here. After seeing how busy a guy Joel was, it is especially meaningful to remember how he took time to make me feel important and valued each time we visited — it’s clear he did this with everyone, and again a quality clearly expressed through our Savior, Jesus. After reading the line, “He did what he loved until he could do no more” I envisioned Christ saying to Joel, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Mt 25:21) Our prayer for your family is that you’ll find refuge in Jesus at this time of grief; that you’ll experience the unparalleled peace of him who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Ps 147:3)
Pam Clark says
Peggy and family. I remember Joel when I was just a kid. He has made Townsend his home for many years and has a wealth of family and friends who will miss him and remember him fondly. He is at peace. God bless you and your family.
Mike and Mary Foster says
Joel was a generous man who gave freely to others. He took our wedding photos way back in 1979 and we will always treasure those. Joel made senior videos for our two oldest children when they graduated from BHS. He added so much to the lives of everyone in Broadwater County. He will be greatly missed!
Dennis and Cathy Dellwo says
We remember with joy those great evenings at the Flynn ranch with members of the church. Our sincere condolences to the whole family and our prayers will be with you. The song goes. ” But beauteous fields arise before me, where Gods redeemed their vigils keep.” Those fields are are now in some very good hands.
Mike Howland says
Mike Howland: The world was blessed by your presence. I will truly miss your company. You are a man of integrity, honor, and values. I’ll miss having to open and close your gates. Your final gate awaits you. Thanks for being a friend. God Speed.
Dave Campbell says
One could not ask for a better friend and neighbor. Joel you will be missed
Dave Campbell says
One could not ask for a better friend and neighbors.Joel will definitely be missed.
Mitchell Stocks says
Great man and neighbor. We will miss him. Love and prayers to the Flynn Family.
With our heartfelt condolences,
Sharon Chou and Mitchell Stocks
Peggy Johnson says
We were so sorry to hear about Joel, but what a glorious testimony! We always enjoyed Joel delivering hay and also enjoyed getting to know your boys through the ‘hay business’. Phil and Joel unloaded lots of tons of hay by hand. Kept them in shape!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely Philip and Peggy Johnson
Vic Schoessler says
It was an honor to be his friend.
Cathlene & Mike Millay says
My deepest sympathy to all the families ~ Peggy, Jennifer, Brandon, Roger as well as Joel’s siblings. Joel was a special person who, along with Peggy, raised a beautiful family. May you find some peace in all the wonderful memories Joel blessed you with. Joel is most definitely Dancing with our Heavenly Father, singing with the Angel choir <3 ~ Cathlene & Mike Millay
Bob Sager says
My god fishing buddy now is in the greatest fishing spot, Heaven.
Flynn Family
I am blessed to have known Joel all these years as a good friend in college, a great fishing buddy, and an perfect example of a great Christian man.
I am sorry for his passing this week and I am haunted by the memories of his friendship and loyal feelings for me during my life. I remember the day when I stopped baling hay to drive over to meet his “joy and the love of his life” that he often told me to attend their wedding.
Bless all the great memories and life that he lived and showed all of us how to live a great life.
Bob Sager White Sulphur Springs, Montana
Paul O'Connor says
I will always remember Joel as a kind and sweet man that would always be willing to help anyone.
Greg and Suzie Ames says
Sending much love to all the Flynn and Christie families. Joel will always remain in our hearts as one of Broadwater County’s greatest treasures. Our prayers of comfort are with each one of you.
April Wills says
I was very blessed to know Joel during my highschool years. Joel was an amazing man that followed the Lord, gave great advice and always welcome our youth group into his home with a warm inviting spirit. Peggy and Joel are two if the most sincere, loving and generous people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I just want to extend my thanks and gratitude to every family member that allowed myself and countless other teenagers to get to know the great man that you called dad. You are all so blessed beyond measure to have such a great example in your life, he truely will be missed.
Ron Hoekema says
Dear Peggy and family,
“Because He lives we can face tomorrow”!
What a blessed hope we have and it seems so special when we can celebrate that hope even as we just celebrated the victory we have because of Easter! We will always remember Joel’ s encouraging attitude in our relationships with him. Our thoughts and prayers go with you now!
Joan Hunsaker says
Dear Flynns, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. What a marvelous man, whenever I saw him or talked with him I left feeling happier and blessed. He has left a wonderful legacy. What a wonderful family you are! You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! God bless!
Bryan Lowery says
My grandfather William “Bill” Lowery spoke very highly of the Flynn family and the work ethic the family had and made it a point to volunteer me to help out on the ranch when needed (1982 to 1984?) to I think make me understand what hard work was. Grandpa said that it is people like the Flynn’s that make Broadwater County a better place. I am so sorry for the Flynn family’s loss and the Lowery family thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
Vic Schoessler says
I remember the first time we attended the Alliance Bible Church. Joel was the first one to introduce himself to us and made us feel so welcome. He was a major reason to call the Alliance Bible Church our church. He ALWAYS wore that big smile when greeting everyone with “Good Morning!”. I never heard him complain. His messages on Sunday morning were always meaningful. Under Joel’s leadership, the church’s Men’s Group held at Joel and Peggy’s home on Sunday evenings taught all of us a great deal. He was one of the most patient and wise men I have ever known. I wish I knew half of what Joel had forgotten. He knew how to look at everything as a part of God’s big plan for all of us. I miss him.
Nolan says
He was my grandpa. I loved him very much. I miss you Grandpa!