Blanche Flynn

Blanche Fretheim Flynn, 98, Bismarck, ND, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. A visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a time of sharing beginning at 6:00 p.m.   A funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 214 E Thayer Ave, at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2018. All are invited to share in the celebration of the life of the one and only Blanche. Blanche was born in Adams County to Mabel and Haakon Fretheim on September 17, 1919. She married Lester Flynn on December 13, 1941. While Lester served in the U.S. Navy in northern Africa and Italy, Blanche worked in a variety of clerical positions including court reporter. She also worked in sales in Minneapolis, MN. Blanche and Lester lived in Rolla, Dickinson and eventually, Bismarck. By 1954 they had three daughters and enjoyed life-long friends through the neighborhood “Eleventh Street Gang”, the First Presbyterian Church and Farmer’s Home Administration. Memories of Blanche include a profound spiritual life, unquenchable zest for learning and world travel, including multiple times to Norway, a trans-Atlantic crossing on the QE2 and exploring the Amazon River Basin at age 79. She was a gifted artist with an eye for people and nature and a flare for fashion. Blanche had a genuine appreciation and acceptance for all who crossed her path. She had a special gift for reaching out and caring for those who came from wide and varied backgrounds. Blanche possessed a disciplined generosity for focusing time and attention on others, especially those in need. Cognitively quick with a sharp sense of humor, she designed a life beautifully lived with a grateful and positive attitude. She spent the past 4 years enjoying life at Touchmark taking advantage of the many programs and activities. Both Blanche and her family greatly appreciated the care and attention of the staff at Touchmark. The family would like the physicians and staff at Sanford to know how much Blanche appreciated their kindness and professionalism. Grateful to have shared her life are her daughters, Jill Smyth, Bismarck, Jacquie (Kent) Ellis, Bismarck and Joy Flynn (Myke) Knutson, Savannah, GA. Grandchildren Hayley Ellis, Scott Ellis, Todd Knutson, Tammi Knutson and Tim Knutson and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Les, her parents, her sister Phyllis Tommerson and son-in-law Tom Smyth. In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, Bismarck, ND or to a charity of the donor’s choice.