Ralph J. Flanagan, 78, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation with the family present begins at 4:00 PM Thursday, January 18th at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory Sioux Falls. A Liturgical Wake Service begins at 6:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home.

Ralph Joseph Flanagan was born August 10, 1945 in Watertown, SD, the 8th of 9 children to Frank and Kathryn (Ralph) Flanagan. He graduated from Egan High School in 1963. Ralph was united in marriage with Donna Jean Kuhle on July 27, 1963 in Flandreau, SD. Ralph and Donna celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past July.

Ralph earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of South Dakota in 1966. Following graduation, Ralph and Donna moved to Minneapolis where Ralph began his career at Employers Insurance of Wausau. They later moved to Sioux Falls where Ralph continued his career in the insurance industry. Ralph served as a member on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board. He was also a member of the Morning Optimist Club and enjoyed teaching Junior Achievement in his grandchildren’s classrooms. 

Ralph excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Egan High School where he participated in basketball, football, baseball, and track. His athletic abilities were recently recognized when he was inducted into the inaugural class of the Colman-Egan Hall of Fame in May of 2023. In his free time, Ralph enjoyed golfing and cheering on his favorite teams, the O’Gorman Knights, USD Coyotes, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. 

Ralph was a loving and devoted father to his three daughters; twins Kelly and Shelly and youngest daughter, Jennifer. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor and love of sweets. He had a smile that spread from ear to ear and he beamed when watching his grandchildren participate in their various activities. Ralph especially loved watching his grandsons play golf and cherished the times he spent taking his grandchildren to golf tournaments and USD sporting events. 

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Donna Flanagan, Sioux Falls, SD; daughters, Kelly Woldt, Sioux Falls, SD, Jennifer Flanagan (Clay Rogers), Omaha, NE; son-in-law, Bryan Hammer, MD, Sioux Falls, SD; five grandchildren, Reagan (Heide) Hammer, Lauren (Edwin) Fink, Collin (Meg) Hammer, Kathryn Hammer and Bryce Hammer; three great grandchildren, Audrey Hammer, Makayla and Gavin Fink; two sisters, Mary (Vince) Maag, Sioux Falls, SD, Joan Haugen, Marshall, MN; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Shelly Hammer; great granddaughter, Eleanore Ann Fink; three brothers, Bill, James, and Steve; and three sisters, Pat Brekke, Lue Roby, and Sheila Bonrud. 

Relatives and friends are invited to gather with the family for lunch and fellowship at St. Mary’s Parish Hall following the funeral mass and prior to the burial at St. Michael Cemetery. 

Memorials are suggested to the University of South Dakota Foundation and Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.