Suellen Karal Flynn

Suellen Karal Flynn

Hiawatha

Suellen Karal Flynn, 69, of Hiawatha, Iowa, passed away on May 4, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at El Kahir Shrine, 905 Tower Terrace Rd., Hiawatha.

Sue was born in Cedar Rapids to Frank and Marie (Neuhaus) Karal on Aug. 8, 1953, and spent her childhood living in Fairfax, Iowa. She completed her elementary grades at St. Patrick’s School in Fairfax and graduated from La Salle High School in 1971. She went on to attend the University of Northern Iowa and earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education. She taught Spanish at Regis High School, and then worked at Life Investors/Aegon. On April 25,1981, she married James Michael Flynn, and for most of the 42 years, they lived in Hiawatha. Many years of her life were spent taking care of her parents as they aged. But her biggest accomplishment and greatest joy was being a mother to her son Chris, who brought her enormous happiness and many interesting ideas to explore.

Sue was one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. She genuinely cared about people, and truly listened to what they said and needed. She was generous to a fault, not just with money or gifts (she loved to shop!) but with her time and attention. Her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews were often grateful recipients of her outstanding skills, earning her the name “Greatest Aunt Sue.” She had a knack for making everyone feel comfortable in her home, especially when she hosted family gatherings. Her great sense of humor and distinctive laugh were contagious. She enjoyed seeing concerts and musicals with friends throughout the years. Sue was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Sue is survived by her husband, Jim; son, Christopher Flynn of Hiawatha; brother, Mike (Dianne) Karal of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Karen (Jim) Colbert of Ames and Beth (Brad) Hamilton of Fairfax; mother-in-law, Norma Flynn of Chicago; three sisters-in-law, Karen Ryerson of Chicago, Mary Bansley of Chicago and Nancy Flynn of California; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marie Karal; and father-in law, Kevin Flynn.

Food insecurity and helping all people improve their lives were things Sue was passionate about. She served the community as a volunteer and spent many years getting food donations from businesses to give to local nonprofit agencies that help people needing food. Memorial contributions can be directed to Green Square Meals, 605 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, or a charity of your choice.

Feel free to leave a voicemail memory of Sue at (319) 395-9307 or write an online condolence at www.iowacremation under obituaries.