IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Jackie

Jackie Flynn Profile Photo

Flynn

November 11, 1946 – April 29, 2026

Obituary

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Ann Flynn passed away at Iowa Methodist Hospital following a brief and unexpected illness, leaving family and friends grieving the loss of a vibrant and beloved woman whose warmth touched everyone she met.

Jackie was born on November 11, 1946, at Woods Hospital in State Center, Iowa, to Wally and Helen (Greiner) Wolken. She spent her early years on the family farm north of Nevada, attending Fernald Consolidated School and later NESCO, before graduating from Nevada High School in 1964. During her school years, Jackie excelled as an athlete in multiple sports, a passion she carried well into her adult life. She was also highly decorated as a 4-H member, having great success showing cattle on both the local level and the national circuit.

Following graduation, Jackie attended beauty school. In 1967, she married Tom VanScoy, and the couple made their home in Blair, Nebraska. To this union, two sons, Todd and Jason, were born.

In 1992, Jackie returned to her hometown of Nevada, where she took over management of the Starlite Restaurant and Lounge from her parents. Her welcoming spirit and unmistakable presence made it a gathering place for many in the community.

In 1996, Jackie married Galen Flynn on the deck of their cabin in Dinorwic, Ontario, Canada—a place that became the backdrop for many cherished summers. There, Jackie enjoyed fishing for Walleye and was well known for her skill, with many insisting she could out fish Galen any day of the week using her favorite pink jig. In addition to their time in Canada, Jackie and Galen spent many winters at their home in Arizona, where, just like at the lake, their door was always open. Whether in Canada or Arizona, their homes became gathering places filled with friends, laughter, and countless good times.

Jackie had a passion for golf and was an accomplished player, known for her competitive edge and love of the game. She lived life with enthusiasm and joy, bringing energy to everything she did. She had a larger-than-life personality, a bright smile, and a contagious laugh that filled every room. She was passionate about many things, including cheering on the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa State Cyclones, fishing, and a very lucky casino streak. She also enjoyed simple pleasures—Red Hots candy and more than a pinch of salt in her beer.

Above all, Jackie's greatest love was her family. She was a devoted mother to Todd and Jason and a proud, enthusiastic grandmother. She rarely missed an opportunity to attend her granddaughters' sporting events, cheering them on with unmatched energy and spirit—often to the amusement (and occasional dismay) of those seated nearby.

Jackie will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her spirited personality, and the joy she brought into the lives of those around her. Her memory will live on in the countless stories, laughter, and love she shared.

She is deeply missed and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of all who knew her. There will be a memorial to be announced at a later date.

Jackie is survived by Galen, her husband of nearly 30 years; sons Todd VanScoy, Jason (Courtney) VanScoy, Step-sons Gene (Patty) Flynn, Todd (Kim) Flynn; grandchildren Maddison (Adam) VanScoy-Maher, Olivia VanScoy, Kennedy (Maverick) VanScoy-Wylder, Karsen VanScoy, Stephanie (Jordan) Haywood, Megan (Aaron) Alliger, Breanna (Luke) Anstoeter, Amanda Flynn, Casey (Brandon) Anderson, Jamie (Shilo) Schaake, Chance (Abby) Flynn, Monica (Tyler) Davis, Kyla (Jace) Piercy, Lilly (Hector) Romero, Josh (Amy) Keen; several great grandchildren and many friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents Wally and Helen Wolken, stepson Shawn Flynn, granddaughter Melissa Viers, grandson Nathan VanScoy.

A celebration of life visitation will be 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, in Nevada.  The family will then host friends at the Twin Anchors Golf Course from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.  Private burial will be at a later date at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements.  Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jackie Flynn, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Celebration of Life Visitation

May
9

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home

1418 Fawcett Parkway, Nevada, IA 50201

1:00 - 3:00 pm

Gathering of Friends

May
9

Twin Anchors Golf Course Club House

68030 U.S. 30, Colo, IA 50056

3:00 - 5:00 pm

Event will happen following the visitation

Guestbook

Visits: 12

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors