John Francis Flodin

John Francis Flodin, age 86, of Moses Lake, went to be with our Lord Wednesday, March 5, 2014 surrounded by loving family.

Holy Rosary will be prayed at 1:00pm. Friday, March 14th at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 200 N Dale Road Moses Lake immediately followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday March 12th and Thursday, March 13th at Kayser's Chapel and again from noon until the time of the Rosary on Friday. Please sign the guestbook at www.kayserschapel.com. Memorial contribution suggestions are available on the website. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel.

John was born in Yakima, WA to Frank and Francis (Belair) Flodin. His early years were spent in White Swan and Ellensburg where he learned to hunt, fish and play the saxophone.

In 1942 the family moved to Seattle, then to Stockton in 1945, where John completed high school.

After graduation John joined the Merchant Marines for a short stint then was drafted for the Korean War. After graduating from Artillery OCS School he was shipped to Korea as a Forward Observer where he spent six months on Sandbag Castle in the Western edge of the Punch Bowl calling in fire. John was then transferred to Battalion Headquarters where he assumed added responsibilities as the Battalion S-3. John was awarded the UN Service Medal, Korean Defense Medal and the Bronze Star.

Upon his return to the Yakima Valley in 1954, John learned that his father Frank had committed to building a potato fresh packaging facility on a handshake. Shortly after, Flodin Inc. was formed.

John met Mildred Thomas, the love of his life, while skiing White Pass. They were married in Prosser, WA December 10, 1956 and resided in Sunnyside for 30 years. Large extended family get togethers were common and filled with music.

In 1986 they moved their business and home to Moses Lake.

Over five decades, John (and many family members) oversaw the manufacture and installation of 67 Potato and Vegetable processing lines throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Romania and Poland. Over his lifetime John was awarded 16 patents.

In 1999 Millie died. Late 2006 John retired and spent as much time as possible golfing at the Moses Lake Country Club. He has 7 "Hole in One."

In 2009 John was further recognized for his meritorious service in Korea when he was inducted into the Fort Sill Field Artillery OCS Hall of Fame.

John died the same way he lived, happy, laughing and surrounded by people who dearly loved him.

He is survived by his children and spouses, Pat Warren, Nanette & John Smyser, Rob & Cia Flodin, James & Melissa Flodin; grandchildren - Jason, Kristi, Ashley, Emili, Brian, Tiffany & Douglas; great-grandchildren - Jonathan, Daniel, Nathaniel, Jaxsyn and Emma; also a brother, Bill Flodin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Millie, brother, Allan Flodin, sister Mary Krous, and son-in-law Timothy Taunt.