Edward J. Flynn

Edward J. Flynn, 75, of Oglesby, passed away January 17, 2026 at the RLM Specialty Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois after a long illness.

A Celebration of Life for Ed will be Sunday, April 19, 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Utica Township Community Building, at the corner of Church and Mill St in Utica. A private burial will be Monday, April 20, 2026 at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood with full military honors. Hurst Funeral Home in LaSalle is entrusted with Ed’s final arrangements. 

Edward was born March 30, 1950 in LaSalle, Illinois to his parents James and Betty (Bottomley) Flynn of Utica, Illinois. Ed was raised in Utica and graduated from LaSalle/Peru High School in 1968. After high school, Edward served proudly in the United States Air Force as a Fuel Specialist in the elite Strategic Air Command and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1972. Upon his discharge, Ed worked for decades as a Laborer and ended his working career at Blaine’s Farm & Fleet.

Ed was an avid animal lover and supporter of our local animal rescue, Illinois Valley Animal Rescue. Ed had a special bond with his rescue dogs, Jack, and Midgy. Jack passed away many years ago, and sadly, Midgy passed away this past summer at 17 years old. Ed was also an avid sports fan and was known to be watching his favorite teams, the Chicago White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears as well as college and high school sports when they were available on television. From the many years living in the south, Ed was also a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

Ed was a friend to many and had a long connection with friends from Utica and at the Stough Group Senior Housing in Oglesby where he was one of their first residents over fourteen years ago. Edward is survived by one daughter Shannen (Rodney) Gates and one son Nathan Flynn; two grandchildren, Ian Gates, and Raydence Fowler; one brother Patrick (Jane) Flynn, one sister Marybeth (Tony) Lovell, and ex-wife (and friend) Carolyn Hussey. Ed was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the family in honor of Edward Flynn.

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