Mindi Jo Flanagan-Bakalar
June 08, 2014
Mindi Jo Flanagan Bakalar, 37, passed away surrounded by her loved ones on Monday, June 9, 2014 at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines. Mindi was born November 13, 1976 in Des Moines, Iowa, the daughter of Kent Flanagan and Dianna (Flanagan) Slater. Mindi’s three daughters were the light of her life. She was a loving, vibrant person; most would describe her as a free spirited flower child. Due to her agonizing treatments for chemotherapy, Mindi was a strong advocate for the use of medicinal marijuana.
Family will greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. A celebration of Mindi’s life will begin at 5:00 p.m. the same evening, following the visitation.
Mindi is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cayleigh Newell, Cassidy Newell, and Savanna Bakalar; step-daughter, Devon Bakalar; husband, Joe Bakalar; mother, Dianna Slater; father and step-mother, Kent and Janie Flanagan; siblings, Juli (Dave) Johnson, James (Peggy) Flanagan, and Shelli (Chad) Bridges; three nieces; two nephews; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and a multitude of friends.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Edwin and Myrtle Slater and her paternal grandparents, Forest Flanagan, Jr. and Dorothy Price.
The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Matthew Hill, St. Jude’s Hospice, and John Stoddard Staff for their care and compassion of Mindi and her family.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to go towards Mindi’s daughters’ future education.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Maia, Astrid, Eric, and Anabel
02/15/2016
We are all so sad about the death of my sweet cousin. I will never forget the way that she cared for Grandpa, tender and loving, at his death. Mindy had a way of powering through the challenges and never complaining. I see her in her new life, free of pain and full of joy. Mindy taught us a lot. No less, said my daughter Anabel filled with tears,"she taught us how to make cards."
Diana Weaver-Jager
06/14/2014
Dianna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. She had a great supportive family.
Mandy & Matt Kunert
06/14/2014
Your smile & laugh would light up any room.You will be miss be missed & your family will be in our prayers.
Lala & Kenneth berry Jr.
06/14/2014
You are a gift from God you never complained. You were a good listener, upbeat, caring no matter what you were going thru. You will be deeply missed we know your dancing in the sky we know your singing in the angels choir. You beat. It!!!!! Your truly missed we love you. UNTIL WE MET AGAIN. F.I.P
Laurie and Bill Gormley
06/12/2014
If only more of us could be as selfless and strong as your sweet Mindi. Now her bright light will shine on through the eyes and hearts of her little girls. Our daughter got married a few hours before Mindi, and we will hug her a little tighter and a lot longer because of Mindi's story. Laurie and Bill Gormley
Chad Eric Slater
06/12/2014
Mimmerz I miss you soooo much!!!! You were more than a cousin you were like a little sister. You had a way of cheering people up & making them feel better about themselves that I think you got from Grams. You were stronger than you ever gave yourself credit for & this whole time you were fighting for your life I never seen you feeling sorry for yourself. Heaven is a better place w/you in it!!!!
Amy Lindee-Deever
06/11/2014
I am rejoicing that Mindi is with the Lord--no longer in pain! Praise God! **
I know she was ready. In those last hours, she said, to Amanda, one of her many bestys, "At least I'm not afraid" Praise God for His comfort and strength! **
I feel so honored that she always called us Souls Sisters because we share a deep faith and love for God...I will love her forever and miss her so much. **
I pray for her girls, the rest of the family, and all her friends.
Dave Brooks
06/11/2014
My condolences to the Flanagan family in your time of grief. Rest In Peace, Mindi.
Holly Heer
06/11/2014
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I haven't any of you in such a long time and I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and to let you know that Mindi is no longer in pain.
Toni Eilbert
06/11/2014
Shelli, so sorry for the loss of your sweet sister, heaven has gained a special angel! May she rest in the arms of the Lord and may he wrap His arms around you and the rest of your family!
Kim Goodwin
06/11/2014
To the family of Mindy. May god bring you peace and strength in the upcoming days. What a strong woman Mindy was and I know she is up in heaven flying with all the other angels.Thoughts and prayers be with all of you . So sorry for your loss
Jana Shimer
06/11/2014
May the Lord give strength and encouragement to those left behind..knowing Mindi is healed and happy in the presence of the Lord...
lisa webb
06/11/2014
Mindi I met u in high school u r my angel u were kind and u gave me strenght wisdom so much more I love u mindi u will be missed but ur smile will shine forever
Ramona Kintz
06/10/2014
I met you at church and enjoyed having your daughters in the church nursery. I enjoyed cooking for you and the girls and you were and are such an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing you. Now you are with the Lord and free of pain.
Kay hill
06/10/2014
Mindi I met you when you were sixteen. We had one thing in common you loved animals. I am sure heaven needs your help at the Rainbow Bridge. My heart goes out to your lovely daughters and your family. You will be missed by many.