" With Love and Blessings to Aunt Betty, Roxie, Rochelle, & Rhonda I have so many fond memories of Uncle Leonard. Here are a few: When Larry, Rosanne, Cecil and I were young, Uncle Leonard gaveus the BEST Christmas presents . Somehow he knew exactly what we wanted. It wasn't until I was an adult that mom (Leonard's sister) told me that Leonard would give her the money and she would buy the presents. When I was about ten years old and was considered good enough at playing 500 to play with Leonard, my dad, and my older brother, Uncle Leonard was dealt a bad hand (by his standards). His comment was "I got a dog from every town." It was the first time I heard that saying. I remember we all laughed so hard, we could hardly play cards. I was very happy when Uncle Leonard got married for we got our first, first cousin and our first aunt on mom's side. I was 14 when he got married and Rosanne and I got to open their presents. We thought that was a big honor. Leonard had a quick humor and a great laugh. He was a good Uncle who paid a lot of attention to his nieces and nephews when we were young. When we got older, we always enjoyed our visits with Uncle Leonard and Aunt Betty. May Uncle Leonard rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. He will be missed very much. Love from your Niece and Cousin, Marie "
In loving memory of
Leonard E. Flatten
December 23, 1917 - May 18, 2008
HOUSTON, MINN. ? Leonard E. Flatten, 90, of Houston died on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Valley View Helacare and Rehab in Houston.
Leonard was born on December 23, 1917, in Sheldon Township of Houston County, Minn. to Edward and Vivian (Johnston) Flatten. He was raised in the Houston area. Leonard graduated Houston High School and attended the University of Minnesota Agriculture College in St. Paul for two years. He farmed in the Looney Valley area. On December 28, 1961, Leonard was united in marriage with Betty Stene in Houston, Minn. He enjoyed farming, fishing, and dancing. Leonard was a member of the Looney Valley Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; three daughters: Roxanne Flatten of Houston, Minn., Rochelle (Mitch) Belina of Owatonna, Minn., and Ronda (Gary) Oesterle of Caledonia, Minn.; five grandchildren: Nikki, Alan, Brandi, Rachel, and Katie; one sister, Luella Graf of LaCrescent, Minn; and by many nieces and nephews.
Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law, Lawrence Graf.
The funeral service for Leonard will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the Looney Valley Lutheran Church in rural Houston with the Rev. Jeff Forbes officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Hoff Funeral Homes ? Houston Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
The family prefers memorials to be directed to the Gundersen ? Lutheran Heart Institute or to the Looney Valley Lutheran Church.
Please feel free to leave a memory of Leonard, sign his guestbook, and view his tribute video at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/18385
Tributes
"Betty: I knew Leonard as a client of the law office for years and years. He was a former client of John Rippe's. It was always a pleasure to work with both of you. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the word. Our sympathy to each of you at your loss. : "
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Betty and the whole family from our home in Colorado. We have many good memories of Leonard and our family get togethers. Whether it was a hot game of cards or just visiting, Leonard's smile and laughter always enriched these times. Though we have not been able to keep our family visits up as much as we would have liked, Betty and Leonard have been in our thoughts often. It is so much appreciated that Betty and Leonard were always there for my mother, Clara, during her last years in Houston. Our love to you. Eloise and Larry"
"Dear Roxie and Ronda, My deepest sympathy to both of you and your family. Sue told us about your father's death on Tuesday and we prayed for you. May God comfort you and your family---I will be praying for you. Love in Christ, Nancy"
"The Flatten family was always my second family/home growing up ever since our early grade school days. I have so many fond memories of time I spent on the farm with you whether it was watching movies and eating popcorn; or playing pool downstairs, or jumping on the round hay bales outside and of course of Ronda & I talking on the phone (which we were so well known for doing). Your family will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and the family during this very difficult time. Friends may come & go; but family will always be there. Hang on to all the wonderful memories you have of "dad"; he will be greatly missed!!!! Love ya all, Lisa"