It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Agnes Miller Flynn, 87, on September 29, 2024, in Naperville, Illinois. Agnes was the daughter of German immigrants, Christian and Julianna Miller, and grew up on a farm in North Dakota, where she found joy and contentment in a simple, hardworking life alongside her parents and siblings, all of whom adored her. From a young age, Agnes was gentle, patient, and kind, nurturing her beloved pets with love. She valued her German ancestry and was grateful for the opportunity to travel to Germany to visit her ancestral villages and the graves of her relatives.

Agnes valued education. In high school, her passion for the sciences led her to advocate for herself and other women to be able to enroll in math and science courses—a testament to her determination. She went on to attend Saint Benedict's College, where she earned a degree in biology. While in college, Agnes made many lifelong friends and met the love of her life. Married for fifty-eight years, Agnes and Bob shared a deep spiritual connection and love for Saint John's and Saint Benedict's, visiting these cherished places numerous times to reconnect with old friends and reflect on their faith.

Agnes fulfilled her desire to educate, advocate, and care for others by becoming a nurse and health care director. She worked in various settings, including hospitals, home health, North Central College, and public health. She often expressed that she "loved every job she ever had as a nurse." Her dedication and compassion made her beloved by both coworkers and patients.

Agnes had a deep affection for her church community at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She volunteered as a sacristan, eucharistic minister, and aide in the children’s music ministry. While sorting sheet music, she and her friends welcomed people to stop in and chat, creating an informal “listening” ministry that held great meaning for her and provided comfort and support for those who came by. One of her favorite aspects of Saint Thomas was the music ministry; she loved the liturgies, choir, ensemble, and concerts that uplifted her spirit, helping her to feel God’s presence and deepen her connection with the Saint Thomas community.

Above all, Agnes cherished her children, extended family and friends. Just as she did as a child, she remained gentle, patient, and kind, embodying compassion and unconditional love as a mother and friend throughout her life. She is survived by her four children: Margaret Bernhardt, Patricia Soforic (John), James Flynn (Debora), and Susan Flynn. Agnes held her grandchildren close to her heart: Kristen O'Connor (John), Michael Soforic (Lisa), Leah Street (Devan), and Jordan Bernhardt, along with her great-grandson, Friedrich Daniel Street and many other treasured family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob) Flynn and her siblings: Martin, Eva Schloss, Alexander, Peter, Leo, Eleanora Reichert, and Frank.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd, Naperville, IL. Visitation will take place from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by the service at 10:30 AM. The service will be live streamed at the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/@StThomastheApostleNaperville

Agnes will be interred at Saint John's Abbey in Minnesota with her husband.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Robert and Agnes Endowed Scholarship Fund, Saint John’s University, P.O. Box 7222, Collegeville, MN 56321, in Agnes Flynn’s honor.

Agnes will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.