Nancy L. Flanigan

Nancy Lynn (Kane) Flanigan, age 88, passed away surrounded by her loving family at Lake Winona Manor after a brief illness on November 8, 2026. She was born on November 3, 1938, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin, to Henry and Betty (Halverson) Schwertfeger.

In 1948, Nancy and her family moved from La Crosse, Wisconsin, to Witoka, Minnesota. There, she helped her parents at their general store until graduating from Winona Senior High School. Witoka would remain an important part of Nancy's life for many years to come.

Nancy married the love of her life, Dennis J. Flanigan, on January 26, 1957, in Winona, Minnesota. Together they built a life filled with love, family, and many cherished memories, raising their two sons, Michael and Patrick.

Nancy worked at Randall's Restaurant for 10 years before spending several wonderful years caring for her grandchildren, a role she treasured and enjoyed every minute of. Family was at the heart of Nancy's life, and she found great happiness in the time spent with those she loved.

Nancy and Dennis built two homes in the Witoka area, where Nancy enjoyed decorating and tending to her beautiful flowers. She was an avid reader and loved traveling and camping with Dennis at Money Creek Haven, making memories along the way.

Nancy will be fondly remembered for her quick wit, contagious laugh, and the joy she brought to those around her. Her laughter, warmth, and love for her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Michael (Kris) Flanigan and Patrick Flanigan; grandchildren, Jamie (Josh) Vaughn, Michael K. Flanigan, Megan Flanigan, Emma Flanigan, and John Flanigan; great-grandchildren, Courtney (Spencer) Rudnik, Delaney Vaughn, and Conner Vaughn; step-granddaughter, Tyler (Zack) Spies; great-great-grandchildren, Charlie Spies, Tate Spies, and Evelyn Rudnik; her sister, Sue Meinke; brother-in-law, Lee Burros; and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis; her parents, Henry and Betty; her daughter-in-law, Lynne Flanigan; her sisters, Margaret Burros and Sandy Rumpca; and other in-laws, John Meinke, Lucille and Wayne Habeck, Pat and Jerry Anderson, John and Jean Flanigan, and Kathleen and Ray Nagle.

Nancy leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory, her laughter, and the countless ways she made life a little brighter. She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed.

The family would like to thank the team of Winona Lake Manor and Winona Area Hospice for their great care and support to Nancy and her family.

Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. Pastor Michael Short will officiate. Burial will be in the Witoka Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Nancy’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.