Francis Flaherty

Francis J. Flaherty, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, at the age of 82. 

Francis was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and friend to many. He spent over 35 years as a welder for Northern States Power (NSP) where he ascended to the role of Welding Specialist and eventually Welding Instructor. After retirement from NSP, Francis was not content to stay at home and took up a second career at North Hennepin Community College where he made friends with students, faculty, and administrators alike as a grounds keeper / maintenance for close to 15 years. He was a longtime resident of Brooklyn Park where you would find him on any given day working on one of the finest kept lawns in all of the city. Francis was a consummate tinkerer and hobbyist with passions ranging from anything automotive with numerous hobby cars, to motorsports, go karts, model railroading, RC planes and cars, and in retirement taking up the electric guitar and restoration of old Fender equipment. He was always busy doing something or building something but never too busy to help those that were his friends and family with their projects or when they were in a time of need. Francis gave of his time, skills, and knowledge often and was also a deeply religious person having been a devoted parishioner of St. Vincent De Paul in Osseo Minnesota for over 50 years. 

Francis will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his Son, Andrew (Wife Laura); Grandchildren Reagan and Myles Flaherty; Brothers and Sisters Patricia, Dennis, Bonnie, Cookie, and Timothy. Preceded in death by Spouse Paulette Flaherty; Parents Mark and Dorothy Flaherty. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please donate to Meals on Wheels Minneapolis which was a charity that Francis volunteered at often throughout his life. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 10:30AM at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 9100 93^rd Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN with visitation starting at 9:30AM. Interment at St. Vincent’s Cemetery.