Darlene L Flaten

Darlene L. Flaten, age 70 of Park River, ND, passed away Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks. Darlene Lois Okeson was born March 2, 1944 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Lewis and Selma (Peterson) Okeson. She grew up in Adams, ND, and graduated from Adams High School in 1962. She was united in marriage to Amos L. (Mosey) Flaten on July 1, 1969 in Grafton. The couple made their home in Park River. Darlene was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and WELCA of Park River. She was a busy farmer's wife and homemaker, and also worked at the State School in Grafton for a time. She was involved in her community, including volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, at the Park River Bible Camp, and with Our Saviour's. For many years, Darlene and Mosey were active members of the Park River Curling Club. When the kids were young, they had fun on many summer trips in the camper traveling around with cousins. Darlene also enjoyed reading, gardening, family reunions, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a very proud hockey mom and grandma. Darlene grew up in a family passionate about music - singing, playing instruments, and dancing -- and she passed this love of music on to her children and grandchildren. An outgoing woman with a cheerful disposition and ready laugh, Darlene had many friends from all walks of life. She had a smile for everyone. She is survived by her husband, Amos, Park River; children: Jacqueline (Christopher Breitling) Flaten, Fremont, CA, Dean (fiancee Deb Schaeffer) Flaten, Moorhead, MN, Julie Flaten and Dennis (Jeane) Flaten, Park River; stepsons Jeff (fiancee Karen Cudmore) Flaten and Todd Flaten, Park River; 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; siblings: Shirley Myrvik, Edmore, ND, Lee (Marlene) Okeson, San Diego, CA; sisters-in-law JoAnn Okeson, Park River, and Jeanne Monson, Grafton; brother-in-law Lee Hamre, Bismarck. Many cousins, nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather Joseph Wick; siblings: Lila Mae Hamre, Milo Okeson and Glenn Okeson; and brother-in-law Clifford Myrvik. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery of rural Hoople, ND.