Richard Flanigan
December 10, 1935 - January 05, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Richard E. "Dick" Flanigan, age 81, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, following a short illness. He was born in Rockford, Ill., on Dec. 10, 1935, the son of Paul and Zeta ( Grady) Flanigan. Following high school, Dick served in the U.S. Army from 1958-1960. Following his discharge, Dick enrolled in Bradley University where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. His first job after college was working for WTVO in Rockford, Ill. This is where he met his future wife, Valerie Vinet. They were married a year later, in 1968. The newlyweds made Madison their home and Dick began working at WMTV where he served as the art director. During his career, he hosted Lenny's Inferno as Mr. Mephisto from 1969-1982. Dick was an avid sports fan, especially of the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved playing baseball, and eventually coached and managed the Monona Home Talent Baseball Team. Dick enjoyed playing sports, including bowling and softball. He is survived by his wife, Valerie; son, Paul (Amy) Flanigan, their children, Haley and Trevor; son, Dan (Sarah) Flanigan and their daughter, McKenna. Dick was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Dick's Life will be held at the 5100 Club, 5100 Erling Ave, McFarland, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Memorials may be made to the donor's charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Mary's for their wonderful support and care.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
Events
Celebration of Life
Tue Jan 10, 2017 @ 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
5100 Bar and Grill • 5100 Erling Ave, McFarland, WI null
Photos
No photos of Richard have been shared yet.
Memories
FM
Frances J. Miller
Other •
I have so many memories of Dick. There was always so much laughter just talking about pretty much anything. He and John on the Inferno will always be a big part of my life. I'm truly saddened by his passing.
Fran
MW
Michelle weberpal
Other •
My memories of Dick are so joyful. Walkiing with Dick in Hawaii, his love of music, his passion for baseball and his friends, the Inferno, Dusty, his smile and great intelligence. And his love of beer! I've known Dick longer than my husband of 46 years. Thanks, Dick, for the memories! You were a bright light in our lives.
Michelle &Mike
ME
MIKE ENNOCENTI
Other •
My friends and i met Dick about five years ago but we had known of him since we were ten years old watching Lennys Inferno. We used to mail him bugs and wait every friday night to see if he would read our letters and he did. When we met Dick i brought a copy of the Swampton Raunch that i had orderd from the station and his eyes lite up. It brought back fond memories for him. He told us stories of how he got started at the station, his softball teams and his time in the service. He treated us like he had known us for years. It was a great evening we could have listened to him for hours, A very special and kind man. We re very sorry Val. God bless you both. Mike Ennocenti
PD
Patt Dischler
Other •
I only knew Dick for a short time having directed him in the production "Lucky Stiff." Shortly after our first meeting we were friends. He was so great to work with and even better to party with!! Of course I remembered him from Inferno, so it was extra special to feel I had known him for a long time. I know he will be missed by so many people because he was so full of life and humor. My thoughts go out to his family and friends and I will hoist my next beer in his honor. Patt Dischler
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Bryan Brosamle
Other •
Dick was great to work with at WMTV. He always gave me a hard time with my art requests and he loved it when I gave him a hard time right back. The best entertainment for me was standing outside the men's room listening to Dick prepare his routine for the Inferno. There was lots of material that never made it on the show. He was one of a kind.
RB
Rich Beld
Other •
You will always be one of my favorites. Loved talking baseball with all the analyzing of what we should have done, Paul and val and family should be proud. Rest in peace!!!. Rich Beld