Ardell (Ardy) LeRoy Flaten, 98, a longtime Klemme, IA resident and contractor, most recently of Garner, IA, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at the Concord Care Center, Garner, IA.
Public services will be held at 11:00am, Friday, April 7, 2023, at the Andrews Funeral Home 528 East Main St. Klemme, IA with Pastor David Boogerd officiating.
Visitation will be from 10-11am at the funeral home prior to the service.
Interment will be in the Ell Township Cemetery, Klemme. A luncheon will follow the service at the funeral home.
Those wishing to express their sympathies through a card or memorial in Ardy’s name may direct it to the family for later designations made by them %Susan John, 150 14th Street Northwest, Mason City, IA 50401.
Ardell was born January 22, 1925, to Ole and Elvina (Stevning) Flaten on the family farm in Hatton North, Dakota. He attended Hatton area schools and began working and helping to provide for the family in the earlier years of his life.
He married the love of his life and life partner Marcella (Sletten), their union was blessed with four children: Richard, Roger, Susan, and Wayne.
The couple moved with their family to Klemme, IA, in the mid 1960’s and purchased a home and raised their family there. Ardy was a elf employed contractor for most of his life and prided himself on constructions-“Get it within 1/16″ & you’ll be ok” and to all who were there for him-“Munga Tuk!” (Thank You) in NORSK.
Ardell worked hard his entire life and loved to cut and split wood for his wood burning stove well up into his 90’s. He enjoyed a friendly conversation and of course a bit of humor and was known for his unique wit. He and Marcella raised a large garden for many, many years and shared their produce and she did a great deal of canning that provided for their family. Ardell and Marcella relished family time and he was always ready to lend his expertise and lend a hand in helping his kids when they needed assistance in their home projects.
He loved to watch classic TV shows and westerns such as Gun Smoke, even the reruns!!! He was always up and anxiously looked forward to a good snowstorm and if it didn’t come to fruition, he would simply state, “What a dud!” He was truly always up for a good laugh and people appreciated his warm smile and friendly demeanor.
He was preceded in death by Marcella in 2011 and lived at their Klemme home until moving to Garner in 2017 and recently became a resident of the Concord Care Center.
His memory will continue in his surviving children: Richard “Tiny” Flaten, Garner, IA, Roger Flaten of Wesley, IA, Susan (George) Johnson, Mason City, and Wayne (Jan) Flaten, Britt; sibling Marlin (Solvig) Arlene (Ted) and more grands, great grands and great greats than he can count!!
Andrews Funeral Homes, Klemme, IA. www.andrewsfuneralhomeandfloral.com 641-587-2510
