John Gaffaney

A Funeral Mass for John Gaffaney, 60, of Dickinson, will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson with Father Casimir Paluck celebrating. Burial will be at a later date.


Visitation for John will be 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. , Friday, August 3, 2012 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Dickinson with a Rosary and Vigil service being held at 7:00 p.m.


John passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2012, after spending three great days with his family at his cherished cabin on Lake Tschida.


John Edward Gaffaney, Jr. was born March 7, 1952 in Minot, ND, the son of John and Charlotte (McLean) Gaffaney, Sr. While growing up, he moved with his parents to New Town until the fourth grade. The family then moved to Dickinson, where his father purchased the Knapp Greenhouse. He completed his schooling in Dickinson where he graduated from Dickinson High in 1970. John attended college at North Dakota State University, majoring in Horticulture and graduating in 1975. On July 12, 1975, John was united in marriage to Patricia JoAnn Lyng in Bismarck, ND. To this union, Shane William, Tyler Hamilton and Kennan McLean were born. In 1984, John and Pat purchased Gaffaney Floral and Greenhouse from his parents, a business that has been in the family for 50 years. John’s faith was very important to him and he was known as a very humble man and always gave honor to his God. His family finds comfort knowing that he is tending to heaven’s beautiful gardens. We will truly miss his kind spirit and his soulful laugh. John was a very active leader in the community, serving on the Dickinson Park Board for 16 years. He was also a longtime member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Past Exalted Ruler and Lifetime member of the Elks Club, a member of St. Anthony Club, Eagles Club, NDSU Team makers, Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Sodbuster Band. John enjoyed life, taking a special interest in golfing, NDSU Athletics, Minnesota Twins, music (especially Elvis Presley) and hunting. He especially enjoyed spending time at their cabin with family and friends.


John is survived by the love of his life, Patricia; daughter, Kennan McLean (Andrew) Brown of Shawnee, KS; sons, Shane William Gaffaney of Bismarck, ND, and Tyler Hamilton Gaffaney of Lake Tahoe, CA; granddaughter, Ava Mclean Brown; and sister, Julie (Eric) McGrath of Reno, NV.


He is preceded in death by his parents John and Charlotte; and mother-in-law, Margaret Lyng.


In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Camp Grassick or The Memorial Park, c/o Dickinson Park Board.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: August 4, 2012
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Funeral Mass: Saturday: Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Dickinson, ND