Marlin Flaten

Marlin Flaten, 91, of Portland, ND died Sunday, August 2, 2026 at the HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND.

Marlin Vernon Flaten, 91, of Portland, ND, was born on June 4, 1935, to Ole and Elvina (Stevning) Flaten in rural Hatton, ND. He lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, practical jokes and kindness, leaving behind many cherished memories for those who loved him.

Marlin attended Viking School in rural Hatton, ND through the eighth grade. He was baptized and confirmed at Little Forks Church in Hatton. On July 16, 1957, he married Solveig Marie (Koppang) at Trinity Church in Portland. Together, Marlin and Solveig built a life filled with love, devotion, and wonderful memories. They were blessed with four children: Keith, Curtis, Neil, and Lori.

Marlin was no stranger to hard work. He worked for various farmers and at Haugen Feed in the Mayville-Portland, ND, area. In 1966, he and Solveig moved to Hope, ND, where he farmed, milked cows, and raised pigs and later beef cattle for 36 years. Many of those years were spent working side by side with his son Keith, creating memories that became a treasured part of their family story.

Marlin had a servant’s heart and gave generously of his time to his church and community. He served on the Redeemer Lutheran Church Council for 18 years, the Hope Fireman’s Board for 22 years, and was a 4-H leader in Trail and Steele counties for more than 20 years. In later years, he volunteered with Hospice of the Red River Valley. Whether working in the kitchen or helping with church, community, and Mayport food pantry and fundraisers, Marlin found joy in lending a hand wherever he was needed.

Marlin will be remembered for the simple joys he shared so freely: picking berries, making pancakes, and preparing his much-loved chokecherry syrup. He loved to joke around, play tricks, and bring laughter to those around him. More than anything, he had a gift for visiting with people and making them feel welcome. Marlin was truly a friend to everyone he met.

Marlin and Solveig took great joy in supporting their 12 grandchildren. They faithfully attended school, church, and 4-H activities, showing their love through their presence, encouragement, and pride.

Marlin often said some of the best days of his life were spent watching his children and grandchildren show their 4-H projects, especially their livestock. Those moments reflected what mattered most to him: family, hard work, and being together.

Marlin and Solveig retired in 1998 and moved to Portland, ND, where they continued to enjoy family, friends, and the community they held dear.

Marlin is survived by his sons Curtis (Donna) Flaten of Hope, ND, and Neil (Lisa) Flaten of West Fargo, ND; his daughter Lori (Kelvin) Dalby of Fargo, ND; and his daughter-in-law Susan Flaten of Hope, ND. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Timothy (Allie) Flaten, Sarah (Adam) Kubista, Cody Flaten, Natasha (Jerod) Basol, Chance Flaten, Connor (Hannah Pierson) Flaten, Josie (Andy) Muhs, Preston (Anna) Flaten, Andrea (Steve) Haverkamp, Spencer (Kendra) Flaten, Taylyn (Alec) Voss, and Rylee (Lydia) Thompson; his great-grandchildren: Natalie, Abigail, and Bridget Kubista; Lillian, Nash, Vaya, and Remi Basol; Emerson Flaten; Edyn, Bryer, and Halle Flaten; Caylee, Lawson, and Brooks Haverkamp; Emmytt, Myles, and Rawley Flaten; and Kase Thompson. Five more great-grandchildren are expected in the upcoming months. He is also survived by his sister Arlene Pedersen and his sisters-in-law Elaine Hagen, Helen Strand, Judy Koppang, and Marilyn Koppang.

Marlin was preceded in death by his wife of almost 69 years, Solveig “Dolly”; his son Keith; two grandchildren, Courtney and Ethan Thompson; his parents; his brothers Clarence, Melvin (Evelyn), Hilman (Ella), Kenneth (Alpha), Elerd (Lilly), Ardell (Marcella), Edwin, Ernest, and Russell and his sisters Julia (Joel) Johnson, Hilda (Calvin) Hubbard, Olga (David) Hatling, and Doreen (Leroy) Vosseteig. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Alton (Frances) Koppang, Victor (Phyllis) Koppang, Audrey (Lloyd) Erickson, Ardell Strand, Gordon Koppang, Myron Koppang, and Richard Koppang, Ted Pederson.

The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors at Bethany on 42nd, Essentia Health Care, and HIA Heather’s Hospice House for their loving care of Marlin.

Blessed be the memory of Marlin V. Flaten, whose love, kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be carried in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation: Will be 5–7 PM with a 7:00 PM public prayer service on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, August 7, 2026 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Trinity Cemetery in Portland, ND.