Watch Barb's Graveside Service

Barbara "Barb" Flakne, age 77, of Fertile, MN, died Tuesday, May 19, 2020, at her home under the care of Hospice.

Barbara "Barb" Jean Bendickson, the daughter of Bertram and Albertha (ter Wisscha) Bendickson, was born on June 5, 1942, in Mahnomen, MN.  She attended elementary in Bejou, MN, followed by Mahnomen High School. Barb met the love of her life, Norlien Flakne, and the couple were united in marriage at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou on January 22, 1960.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to the Flakne century old homestead near Bejou, MN, and were blessed with seven children.  In addition to raising a family, Barb worked side by side with Norlien on the farm for many years.  She was a true farmwife who never hesitated to help out wherever needed, all the while raising the children.  Barb also spent many hours caring for her yard and beautiful flowers.  Over the years, she was employed at Ray Halstrom's General Store in Bejou, and later at the Fair Meadow Nursing Home as a cook.  In 2009, they moved to Fertile to make their home.  Norlien died on December 26, 2011, and Barb remained in their home until her death.

Her greatest joy was her family.  Barb enjoyed many adventures with her grandchildren and was their #1 fan at any and all school events.  She was a wonderful cook and could often be found in the kitchen baking and cooking for many large family gatherings.  Barb's specialties were her homemade buns, cinnamon twists, and ice cream jello, later passing on her recipe for homemade buns to daughter-in-law, Sarah.  Barb was active in the Immanuel Church in Bejou, Ladies Aid and the Bejou VFW Auxiliary.  In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, shenanigans with her good friend, Barb Iverson, trips to the casino and reading Harlequin Romance novels.  Her vibrant smile and caring heart will be remembered always.

Barb is survived by her children and grandchildren: daughter, Tammy Franklin of Fertile, grandson, Jason Franklin (Tara) of East Grand Forks, MN, and granddaughter, Amanda Franklin (Rob) of West Fargo, ND; daughter, Terri (Tom) Everest of Carbondale, CO; daughter, Mary Jo (Bryan) Klinkhammer of Gary, MN; daughter, Candace (Dave) Kulzer of Bejou; daughter, Karla Solie (Andy) of Red Lake Falls, MN, grandchildren, Erica (Phillip) Korbel, great-granddaughter, Kimberlyn Korbel of West Fargo, ND, and Lucas Solie, great-grandson, Colt Solie, of Moorhead, MN; son, John Flakne of Ada, MN; son, David (Sarah) Flakne and grandchildren: Hunter, Branson and Allyson Flakne all of Bejou; her siblings: Harlan (Diane) Bendickson of Moorhead, MN, Gary (Joyce) Bendickson, Dale (Susan) Bendickson, Gene (Laura) Bendickson, Bert Jr. (Andrea) Bendickson, Curtis Bendickson all of Bejou, LaVonne (Mark) Froemke of Crookston, MN, Lyndon (Robin) Bendickson of Mahnomen, and Carol (Joe) Farrell of Big Lake, MN; brother-in-law, Douglas (Virjean) Flakne of Amery, WI; numerous nieces and nephews; the Mahnomen High School Class of 1960, and special friend, Barb Iverson.   She was preceded in death by her husband, Norlien; parents, Bertram and Albertha; brother, Alton; and grandson, Jacob Kulzer.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation being held one-hour prior, all at the Bejou City Cemetery, Bejou, MN.