Mike was the eldest of six children, born to Clayton and Mary Flatley in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from high school in 1957, Mike enlisted in the US Air Force, serving in California, Japan, Okinawa and Fort Meade, Maryland. He was honorably discharged in October 1961. Mike served his country all his life, even after serving in the US Air Force. He was recruited by the federal government for his expertise and was given extensive education throughout his career. He worked with the Maryland state prison system assisting with investigations upon retirement.
Mike was an avid reader, great at trivia, and very inquisitive. Mike was very active in the SSS Ski Club and a car club enthusiast. His most rewarding adventure was volunteering with Howard County Special Olympics, where he and his wife, Annette shared their love of sports as skiing instructors, walking, biking and other events for 11 years.
Mike was an usher at St. Andrew's the Apostle Catholic Church and secretary of Holly Springs Garden Club but never gardened himself. Although they only lived here for 8 years, they developed such wonderful friendships.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, William "Bill" Flatley; father and mother in law, Agnes and Raymond Sauer; sister-in-law, Charlotte Brunner; nephew, Robert Dennis Brunner and niece, Mary Konarski.
As he would say to his friends, he met the love of his life, Annette Sauer when they were both 21 years old although they reconnected and married later in life. Married for 34 years and 7 months, they shared a love of skiing, traveling, hiking and much more. The most important was his family. He loved his step-son, Douglas Ahrens and his wife, Tracy and granddaughters, Lily and Sydney. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Erkins; brothers, Patrick Flatley, Thomas Flatley (Paula) and James Flatley; sister-in-laws, Luci Wallander (Ed) and Janet Szalewski (Dick); brother-in-laws, Andrew Sauer (Linda) and Robert George Brunner; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, NC.
Memorial contributions may be donated to the Lung Association for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the Howard County Special Olympics or a charity of your choice.
Condolences can be shared online at apexfuneral.net
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