Flynn, John R. Age 74, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully of natural causes surrounded by family January 30, 2020. Preceded in death by his mother Agnes Flynn and sister Michelann Tangen. Born in Helena, Montana and raised primarily in North Dakota "Papa John" always wanted to be a cowboy. He graduated Shanley High School '63 (Fargo, ND) and St. John's Univ. '67 (Collegeville, MN) with a degree in theater. He was a longtime member of the I.A.T.S.E. union, local #13 and worked 45 years in professional theater as a stagehand, carpenter, writer and actor. Published in many journals and anthologies, he also authored two books of poetry, "Cottonwood Yard" and "The Earthen Finch" which beautifully captured his wit and sense of humor with observations on aging, history, religion, literature, art, cowboys and baseball. Survived by his father Roger Flynn, former wives Regina Marie Williams and Gin Templeton, four children Gabriel (Kristee), Jason (Stacey), DrewAnna and Jack, and six grandchildren, Isaac, Peter, Rachel, Hannah, Micah and Rhone, as well as many other friends and relatives. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday February 10, 2020 at 11:00 am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 423 5th St. S., Stillwater, MN. Visitation one hour prior.