Olaf J. Flaten

   Olaf Junior Flaten, 89, Mayville, ND, passed away Monday, Dec 11, 2023 at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, with his wife and family at his side.

   Olaf was born on Aug 7, 1934 in rural Portland, ND to Olaf J and Inga (Holm) Flaten. He was raised in rural Portland and attended school in Portland, ND. He served in the Army National Guard and was discharged to the Army Reserve in 1955.

   In October 1956, he married Ruth Aasen, a widow, and became an instant Dad to three young boys. A fourth son, Rodney Olaf, was born in Dec 1957. Olaf worked briefly for the Soil Conservation District and area farmers. He began a career in law enforcement as a city policeman in Portland and Mayville. In 1960, at the young age of 26, he was elected Traill County Sheriff, a position he held for over 14 years. The family moved to Hillsboro, ND while he served as sheriff. He briefly worked at American Crystal Sugar in Hillsboro before returning to Portland to start Flaten Construction. Although retired, he continued to operate heavy equipment alongside his son Rod until October 2023.

   Olaf served as a Traill County Commissioner for 16 years. He was a member of the ND Peace Officer's Assn and the American Legion. He loved spending time at his hobby farm near where he was raised. He loved to collect, tinker with and operate old construction equipment. A big kid at heart, he loved children. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a special joy in his life. Olaf was an avid storyteller, bringing humor to many life experiences. He loved to visit with everyone and his laugh was truly contagious.

   He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Ruth; sons: Steven (Linda) Aasen, Indio, CA, Scott Aasen, Fargo, ND, Randall (Gail) Aasen, Fargo, ND, and Rodney (Julie), Mayville, ND; grandchildren: Todd (Liz) Aasen, Stefanie Aasen, Chris Aasen, Marcus (Katie) Aasen, Isaac Aasen, Hannah (Benten) Peterson, Jacob (Brandi) Flaten, and Jordan (Ashley) Flaten and 13 great grandchildren; sister: Inez Hanson and sister-in-law: Alvia Flaten.

   Olaf was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruth, Cliff, Florence, Arthur, Claudine, James, Marion, Ione, Glenn, Mardell and Donna Mae.

   A special thank you for the excellent care of Dr James Mehus, and staff of Sanford Mayville, and the doctors and nurses at Sanford Health Medical Center, Fargo.

Visitation:  Will be 2–4 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2023 with a 3:30 PM Public Prayer Service at the Baker Funeral Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: Will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Mayville Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND.

Military Honors: May~Port Honor Guard and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors.

Burial: Will be in the Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.