David L. Flaten

David L. Flaten, 90, of Hawley, MN passed away on November 13, 2023, in his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. 

David Lloyd Flaten was born on November 9, 1933, in Barnesville, MN to Otto and Evelyn (Hanson) Flaten. He grew up in Rollag, MN and attended country school through the 8th grade before going to work on the family farm. 

He was later drafted into the US Army and served as a mechanic, drove tank, and was a sharpshooter during the Korean War. Following his service, he met Aline Nichols and they were married on April 23, 1960. They lived in Fargo, ND for a short time before making their home in Hawley, MN in 1961. 

David worked in road construction and as a mechanic at Dolva’s Brother’s Station in Hawley. He later worked at the John Morrell meat packing plant. He loved to tinker on cars and anything else with a motor. During harvest his phone never stopped ringing from area farmers needing help with their equipment. He also enjoyed hunting and had quite the collection of guns. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Aline; children, DarNell (Deanna), and DeNett Walstrom; grandchildren, Luke (Amanda), Travis (Stephanie), Andrew (Tasha), David, Destiny, and Dalton; and great-grandchildren, Madelyn, Tucker, Westyn, Lily, Chloe, Wyatt, Ike and Hank; several step siblings; sister-in-law, Diana Flaten and nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Herbert (Eunice), Orvin, and Ernie (Arlene); and son-in-law, Mark Walstrom. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour before the service at Gran Lutheran Church, rural Barnesville, MN.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.