09/08/2026
HSR Associates is saddened to share the passing of Donald E. “Don” Flynn, former President, longtime Board member, architect, colleague, and friend, who passed away on September 5, 2026, at the age of 90.
Don dedicated 40 years of his professional career to HSR Associates before retiring in 2006. During that time, he served on our Board of Directors and as President of the firm, helping shape not only HSR, but also the built environment throughout La Crosse and communities across the region.
Throughout his career, Don contributed to an extraordinary range of civic, educational, healthcare, commercial, and housing projects. His work included projects for the La Crosse Center, Radisson Hotel, Trane Company, Aquinas High School, Western Wisconsin Technical Institute, Lutheran Hospital, Vernon Health Medical Center, Black River Falls Hospital, and many others. His influence can still be seen in buildings and communities throughout our area today.
Although Don retired from HSR in 2006, his passion for the firm never stopped. He continued to stay connected with HSR and would stop by the office about every six months to visit, catch up, and see how the firm was doing. We were especially fortunate to have Don stop in this past spring, when we had the opportunity to visit with him and celebrate his 90th birthday. Those visits meant a great deal to us and were a wonderful reminder of just how much HSR and the people here continued to mean to Don throughout his life.
Don took great pride in the profession of architecture and in the collaboration required to turn an idea into a building. Just as importantly, he valued the relationships he built with his fellow employees, clients, contractors, and community members along the way.
For those of us at HSR, Don is an important part of our firm’s history. His leadership, dedication to his profession, and commitment to the La Crosse community helped build the foundation that generations of HSR employees have continued.
Our thoughts are with Don’s wife of 66 years, Helen, their children, grandchildren, and Don’s extended family and many friends.
We are grateful for Don’s many years of leadership, friendship, and service to HSR and our community. His legacy will remain a meaningful part of HSR Associates for years to come.
Rest in peace, Don. You will be remembered and missed.