HAYS — John J. Flaherty, 81, Hays, died Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at the Glen Carr House in Derby, Kan.
He was born June 4, 1940 in Powers Lake, North Dakota one of four children to John Henry “Jack” and Alice (Anderson) Flaherty. In 1958 he graduated from high school in Columbus, ND and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served until 1962 aboard the USS McDermut, a Fletcher-class destroyer, in locations throughout the Pacific. On June 8, 1968 he married Mary Meyeres in Hoisington, Kan., and they later divorced but remained lifelong friends. On June 3, 2006 he married Judy A. (Polifka) Rohr in Pfeifer, Kan. He was a part owner of a finance and collection agency, did maintenance for Pepperidge Farms in Chicago, and worked in the maintenance department at Fort Hays State University. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and the Hays VFW and American Legion. John loved the outdoors, spending time with family and friends at the lake, traveling, and going on family vacations. He enjoyed big Lincolns and Cadillacs, browsing for cars on various car lots, and his beloved Yorkie dog. John possessed a quick wit and sense of humor, ice cream and coffee were some of his favorite treats, and he loved being Gramps and spending time with his grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife Judy of Hays, two sons Mike Flaherty and wife Angie of Derby, and John P. Flaherty of Lenexa; a daughter Shelly Keller and husband Travis of Hays; a step son Jeff Rohr and wife Tracy of Overland Park; a step daughter Jackie Mosher and husband Alan of Overland Park; a sister Mary Taylor of Naperville, Ill.; brother-in-law Charles Dorwick of Milan, Ind.; grandchildren Jordan Flaherty, Maddie Keller, Quinton Flaherty, Kaitlyn Flaherty, Camryn Flaherty, and Karlynn Flaherty; step grandchildren Michelle McCormick and husband Justin, Jonathan Mosher and wife Kelly, Madison Klimas and husband Joel, Mason Rohr, and Makenna Rohr; step great grandchildren Charlie McCormick, Eli McCormick, and Quinn Klimas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Dennis Flaherty and his wife Carol; a sister Peggy Dorwick; a brother-in-law James Taylor; and a grandson Tanner Starkey-Flaherty.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Charles Polifka and Fr. Nick Parker officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 8 on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 9:45 on Friday, all at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A parish vigil and rosary will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Hays VFW #9076 Honor Guard or to Hospice of HaysMed. Condolences and memories of John may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Hays Memorial Chapel
1906 Pine Street
Hays, KS 67601
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Jan. 26, 2021
