The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1928-06-01
JOE FLANAGAN
DIES SUDDENLY
North DakOta's Greatest Full.
back Succumbs to Pneumo-
MIA at TOwncr

News 'nat Joseph J. Flanagan
| -, ranked at the University OF
| North Dakota as North Dakota
greatest athlete" died of pneumonia
a. Towner Yesterday shocked all OF
ms Bismarck friends, particular,
those who had been his schoolmates
both IN their local schools and AT
the University of North Dakota.
George Olgierson, employed at
the Bank Of North Dakota, was one
q flanagan's room mates at the
University of North Dakota and also
went through grade SCHOOL with him
at Gardar, in the southwestern part
Of Pemblna county. North Dakota.
Flanagan, Olgierson, Skull Skula-
son, and Or. J. w. Robinson, now of
Garrison, all loomed together in a
snack at the university which they
called Bachelors hall"
The four youths lived in this
shack across the coulee from the
campus in order to conserve on
funds.
Flanagan. Cigicrson says, helped
ray his college expenses by work.
ing part time during the school year
he Irish athlete played football
with former Senator William Lcmkc,
Skull Skulason, Senator Lynn J.
Frazier, Judge w. l.. Nuessle, and
former Senator j. T.. Davis, Good
rich. as teammates. He was re-
markablc athlete, in Olgierson's
words and was very popular with
the student body during his col
leglate days. The four men roomed
IN Bachelors hall' for two wears.
Born in Ontario
"Joe Flanagan was born in On
tario in 1877" Mr.. Olgierson SAYS.
His Irish parents moved to Gardar
when Joe was small boy, and he
and | went to school together at
Gardar. later entering the Uniycr-
slty Of North Dakota. He graduated
with the science class at tie state
institution in 1901. The last time |
saw Mr.. Flanagan was here in Bis
marck two years ago when he at
tended an abstracter's convention
here"
Joseph Flanagan was one Of the
finest fellow l have ever known" is
the way Judge Nucssle puts it. Joe
WAS a farmer boy during his youth
and before entering the university
was well-known for his athletic abil-
ity. lie came into his own in ath-
letics at the university, where he
played football and baseball from
1896, when he entered the institu-
ton, until he was graduated in 1901
lie was a very good baseball player,
specializing in pitching. but play
ing any position on the diamond |
equally we'll. At fullback on the ,
football team, he was exceptionally
GOOD. being adapt at punting, pass
ng, plunging the line, or running
n a broken field.
a Real Gentleman
But l knew Mr.. Flanagan, not
My as an athlete, but also as a
a real fellow, always
'ood-naturcd about everything, and
laving pleasing personality"
Flanagan was star football
layer, baseball pitcher and lO-sec-
nd trackman from 1896 % 1911,
nd his name tten. and since. ranked
bove those Of all other athletes the
tate had produced. He has been
l the abstract business here for a
lumber Of years. and served in 1916
nd 1917 as McHenry county regis
y Of deeds.
He is survived by his wife and six
Lawrence. at St. Thomas
ellege, Catherine at school at
,inona, Margaret, Eileen, George
nd Betty, at home. and by five
rothers and sisters, Nora, Peter
nd Patrick Flanagan, Mrs. A.
tcwart and Mrs. Wick Shannon, all
f Seattle.
Funeral services have not been .
ranged. !