Robert L. Flaherty
May 8, 1938 ~ November 6, 2014
Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa Proud Veteran Forest Lake Resident Age 78, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2014. Highly instrumental in the leadership of the Minnesota American Legion for more than 40 years. Proudly served as Post Commander of the Forest Lake Post 225, 3rd District Commander, and later served as Dept. (State) Commander in 1988-89. Also active in 40 et 8 serving as the Chef de Gare for the local Forest Lake organization. Preceded in death by parents, Martin and Leona; and brother, Louis. Survived by beloved wife, Joan L. Flaherty; children, Robert Scott Flaherty and his lovely wife, Kevin (Elizabeth) Flaherty, Terryl (Elizabeth) Flaherty, Patricia (Geno) Naatz, and Jannelle (Darrin) Miller; step-children, Mark (Julie) Kosmalski, Kathleen Johnson, Kelly (Mark) Franz, and Karen (Larry) Stang; 22 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren; brother, Martin (Janet) Flaherty; other relatives and many, many friends. Visitation 4-8 PM Wed., Nov. 12th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake with American Legion Ritual beginning at 7 PM. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM, Thurs., Nov. 13th at The Church of St. Peter, 1250 S. Shore Dr., Forest Lake, with visitation at the funeral home from 9-10 AM. Interment with military honors by Forest Lake American Legion Post 225 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to American Legion. For God, Country, and Family
Dear family of Robert L. Flaherty – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May the Creator give you peace through his sure promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope you are consoled by Bible promises (John 17:3).
Bob was Department Commander when my husband Howard was 3rd District Commander. Howie died during his year and Bob was so very kind during the bad days that followed.
Bob was a wonderful father-in-law to me and grandpa to my daughter, a kind, caring and thoughtful man with an excellent sense of humor, great smile and twinkle in his eye. He loved his Irishness — few could pull off a kelly green blazer with such panache as he. One of the most sociable people I’ve known, don’t think he ever met a stranger.
Bob was always wonderful to work with on numerous issues involving the school district. He was a proud & loving father, and a tremendous leader of the American Legion.
Bob CARED about kids. I remember when Bob saw the unequal chances for District 3 Legion Baseball teams to go to state; he quickly set up a statewide meeting & fixed it for ALL kids & all communities for the future. I also remember when various issues arose on behalf of youth, Bob would always ask me “what is best for the kids?” Then he would support that approach, utilizing his kind heart and his influence to help those kids.
BOB TRULY CARED ABOUT FAMILY, KIDS AND THE MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION. Rest in Peace on a Job Well Done, Bob! You WILL be remembered.
Dan Poepard, Friend & Former School District Director
My Father was an amazing heart and strong convictions; I am so very grateful for the time God gave us and for being his daughter.
I will miss him so very , very much.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Bob’s military service to our nation and his dedication to years and years of work for veterans and their families through the American Legion at all levels. As a Past Commander of Post, District and Department(state), he was a super leader, mentor and role model.