John Edward Flahaven, 87, of Sundance, Wyoming, passed away on June 21, 2026. John was born on November 13, 1938, in Minot, North Dakota, to Thomas and Hazel (Frank) Flahaven. He was the youngest of seven children and attended elementary school in Wabek, North Dakota.

As a young man, John proudly served in the United States Army. Following his military service, he worked in construction, which eventually brought him to Dupree, South Dakota. There, he met the love of his life, Maude Griffith. They were married on June 3, 1961, and together built a life centered on family and hard work. From this union came two children, Shelley and Cody.

John worked on several ranches throughout the area before moving his family to Fort Pierre, South Dakota. It was there that he discovered what would become his lifelong career as a truck driver. In the early 1980s, the family relocated to Montpelier, North Dakota, where they lived for five years before moving to Sundance, Wyoming. In October 1986, John and Maude purchased land near Sundance, where John remained for the rest of his life.

Together, John and Maude owned and operated Cowboy State Trucking, traveling throughout the western United States until the company was dissolved in 2001. They later drove U.S. Mail routes for several years before Maude retired. John continued driving until his retirement in 2018.

John spent his retirement caring for his cattle and enjoying time with Maude until her passing in 2021. He was a devoted husband, loving father, father-in-law, and grandfather. John cherished time spent with his grandchildren, often taking them along on trips to gather supplies for the ranch. Those simple moments created memories that will be treasured forever.

John never met a stranger. He enjoyed visiting with friends and neighbors, making

new acquaintances, and sharing stories with those around him. His kindness, work

ethic, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. 

John is survived by his daughter, Shelley (Dave) Kastet; his son, Cody (Elizabeth) Flahaven; and his beloved grandchildren, Ross Kastet, Jacy Kastet, Darcy Flahaven (Richard Harnisch), Dawson Flahaven (Kaylese Kenz), and Wyatt Flahaven (Jerzie Artz). He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Alva Till; brothers-in-law, Carl Griffith, Tom (Ann) Griffith, and Rollis (Connie) Griffith; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maude Flahaven; his parents, Thomas and Hazel Flahaven; his brother, Bob (Ruth) Flahaven; his sisters, Virginia (Clair) Milne, Naomi (Gilbert) Crouse, Norma (Albert) Allen, Margaret Flahaven, and Mary Jeanne Flahaven; his brother-in-law, Joe Till; and his sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Bernie) Tibbs, Mercedes (Carl) Pritschau, Loretta (Melvin) Shuck, and Janet (Bill) Vermilya. John will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his years on the open road, his love of ranch life, and the friendships he built throughout his lifetime. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

"A life well lived leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, and cherished memories."