Ronald "Ron" J. Flynn

Ronald J. Flynn of Tucson, AZ, a remarkable man who touched the lives of many, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. Ron was born September 9, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA, to Franklin and Madeline (Kuhl) Flynn. He was the second boy of a family of nine boys and one girl. He was greatly influenced by his mom, Bette Flynn, who raised him. Ron grew up in Sioux City, IA and attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Heelan High School. He joined the U.S. Navy after graduation. After service in Vietnam and at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, he was honorably discharged in 1970 as a First-Class E-6 Parachute Rigger. Ron was a proud Veteran and a Navy man all the way.

While serving in the Navy, Ron married Patty Austin in California in 1966. Ron had three daughters and was blessed with seven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. After the military, Ron founded Flynn Industrial Catering in Lincoln NE, serving job sites around Lincoln. While living in Lincoln, Ron became a true Nebraska Football fan, which would continue throughout his life. He had a collection of memorable Nebraska items that would make any Husker fan envious. During that time, his company sponsored stock and sprint cars, and he was part of the pit crew. He then went to work for the Wintersteiger Company in Lincoln and later transferred to Salt Lake City to work in the farm and ski divisions. Many fun ski trips were taken with family! Ron then started a trucking company, Flynn Transport LLC, and traveled all over the US. Right before retiring, he spent time driving concert equipment to various venues. He enjoyed seeing different artists perform. Ron retired to Phoenix and then Tucson, where he loved the warm weather.

Ron had a love of classic cars and had several throughout his life. He attended many car shows and won awards. He loved going on Power Tours year after year with his brothers where he could enjoy driving his 1967 Short Box Chevy Truck, 1972 Chevy Truck or his 55 Pontiac and seeing all the other classic cars. He also loved NASCAR and Johny Cash!

Ron’s faith was always with him, as he traveled, he made sure to find a location for Mass. He knew what was important in life. He loved spending time with his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Ron had a relationship with all his siblings and their children, which was amazing with a family this size. He took his responsibility of being one of the oldest in the family to heart, he loved us, watched over us and worried about us. We are better people because of it. As he traveled around the country he made sure to stop and spend time with us. So many great memories were made! His love, stories, and presence will stay with us always.

Ron is survived by his children Cher Flynn Fischer of New York, Barbara (Kevin) Scott of Garden Grove, CA and Jessica (Justin) Gibson of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren Skye Fischer, Jessica (Ryan) Kearney, Nicole Scott, Kyler (Sarah) Scott, Thaine, Flynn and Preslee Ryan; siblings Bill Flynn of Los Angeles CA, Dan Flynn of Wittmann, AZ, Terry (Sherry) Flynn of Urbandale, IA, Tom (Deb) Flynn of Enterprise AL, Pat (Paula) Flynn of Sioux City IA, Denny (Jaime) Flynn of Kearney NE, Bob (Terrie) Flynn of Sioux City IA, Susan (Curtis) Vondrak of Sioux City IA; and sister-in-law Louise Flynn of Tucson, AZ. And numerous nieces and nephews who spent quality time with Ron throughout the years.

Ron is preceded by his mothers, Madeline Kuhl Flynn and Bette Flynn, his brother Richard Flynn, sister-in-law Elida Flynn, a niece Brenna Flynn and his daughter Jessica’s mother, Kerry Ryan.

Ron’s favorite charity was the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

What we have lost, God has gained, and we will miss him until we are called.