Norlien Flakne, age 73, of Fertile, MN, formerly Bejou, MN, died Monday, December 26, 2011 at Essential Health Systems in Fosston, MN.

Norlien Julian Flakne was born December 24, 1938 in Mahnomen, MN, the son of Alfred and Clara (Hillestad) Flakne. He attended both country school and Gary Public School and was confirmed at Faaberg Lutheran Church in Rindahl, MN. Soon after his schooling, Norlien began helping on the family farm and took over the operation in 1958 following the death of his father. On January 22, 1960 Norlien was united in marriage to Barbara Bendickson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou. The couple made their home and raised their own family on the century old homestead. In addition to his lifestyle of farming, Norlien also worked at the American Crystal Plant in Crookston, MN, and raised and hauled cattle. He was semi-retired and had lived with his wife, Barb, in Fertile since July of 2009.

Norlien served on the Farmers Union Board of Bear Park Township and also as a church deacon of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou. He also kept busy with all the grandkids and their activities, especially in recent years. Norlien loved taking them fishing, even if it meant a daily trip to Erskine for minnows and worms. He also enjoyed taking them to the sale barn in Winger where they could get a little coffee with their sugar! When Norlien wasn't keeping the younger grandkids busy, he liked to read the Fargo Forum Green Section and attend farm auctions.

Norlien is survived by his loving family including his wife, Barb of Fertile; children and grandchildren: daughter, Tammy Franklin of Fertile, granddaughter, Amanda Franklin (Chris) also of Fertile and grandson, Jason Franklin (Tara) of Grand Forks, ND; daughter, Terri (Tom) Everest of Snowmass Village, CO; daughter, Mary Jo (Bryan) Klinkhammer of Gary, MN; daughter, Candace (Dave) Kulzer of Bejou, MN; daughter, Karla Solie (Andy) of Fertile, grandchildren, Erica and Lucas Solie also of Fertile; son, John Flakne of Randall, MN; son, David (Sarah) Flakne and grandchildren: Hunter, Branson and Allyson Flakne all of Bejou, MN; and a brother, Douglas (Virjean) Flakne of Amery, WI. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Albertha Bendickson of Mahnomen and several brothers and sisters-in-law: Harlan (Diane) Bendickson of Moorhead, MN, Alton Bendickson also of Moorhead, Gary (Joyce) Bendickson, Dale (Susan) Bendickson, Gene (Laura) Bendickson, Bert Jr. (Andrea) Bendickson all of Bejou, MN, LaVonne (Mark) Froemke of Crookston, MN, Curtis (Sandy) Bendickson of Moorhead, Lyndon (Robin) Bendickson of Mahnomen, Carol (Joe) Farrell of Big Lake, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Norlien was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Jacob Kulzer; a sister and brother-in-law, Alvida (Kenneth) Omang and his father-in-law, Bertram Bendickson Sr.


Funeral Services were held Saturday, December 31, 2011 at 10:30 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bejou with Pastor Aage Carlsen as the officiant. The organist was Naomi Steinmetz and Linda Jaeger provided special music. The pallbearers were Chad Flakne, Harlen Baglien, Chris Omang, Dave Johnson, Kelly Padden and Jerry Wang. The honorary pallbearers were all of Norlien's grandchildren. Visitation was held Friday, December 30, 2011 from 5-7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service also at the church.

Interment was at Bejou City Cemetery in Bejou.