Gulfport, MS – Howard (Rocky) Flateland, 67, of Gulfport, MS passed away peacefully Thursday, February 23, 2023 at his home.
Howard (Rocky) Dean Flateland was born May 9, 1955 to Howard and Sylvia (Voeltz) Flateland in Fosston. Rocky was the oldest of eight kids. He was baptized June 13, 1955 at the parsonage in Trail by Pastor Robert Preus. Rocky’s godparents were Omer and Shirley (Voeltz) Olson. He was confirmed on May 24, 1970 at Sand Valley Lutheran Church, Trail by Pastor D.M. Vetter. Rocky attended Trail School through the 6th grade. He completed school at Gonvick-Trail School, graduating with the class of 1974.
Following high school Rocky enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed in Gulfport, MS. He served from June 27, 1974 to June 26, 1979 working with the Seabees. He continued with the Reserves for a few years following. Rocky was honorably discharged.
While stationed in Gulfport, MS, Rocky met Dorothy (Jean) Arbuckle. They were married August 23, 1978 at Sand Valley Lutheran Church, Trail.
Following their marriage Rocky and Jean lived in Trail, Holt and Thief River Falls. While in Minnesota, Rocky attended Thief River Falls AVTI for Auto Mechanics. He worked for Les’s Sanitation, Arctic Cat, Uncle Bens, Rausch Dairy and he owned a mechanic shop.
In the mid 80s they moved to Biloxi/Gulfport, MS. Rocky worked various jobs and owned a lawn care business. Rocky and Jean welcomed Kelvin into their family in 2005.
Rocky is survived by his son, Kelvin Flateland of Wiggins, MS; mother, Sylvia Flateland of Trail; sisters and brothers, Joyce Sather of Gonvick, Judy (Jerry) Seyller of Trail, Gordon Flateland of Billings, MT, Janet Flateland Mueller of Long Prairie, Wesley (Lynn) Flateland of Clearbrook, and Roxann (Roger) Coan of Goodridge; sister-in-law, Ginger Flateland of Trail; aunts, Shirley Voeltz of Twin Valley, Kathleen Larson of Trail, Annette (Gerald) Nelson of Trail; uncles, Vernon (Joanne) Voeltz of Trail, Bradlee (Margaret) Flateland of Foley, Olin (Ole) Flateland of Fosston; Jean’s family in Mississippi; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Rocky was proceeded in death by his wife, Jean Flateland (2020); father, Howard Flateland (2009); brother, Marvel Flateland (2022); brother-in-law, Larry Sather (2017); grandparents, Grace and John Ratkovec, Otto Voeltz, Etta and Knute Flateland; aunts and uncles, Marvel Sheppard, Deloris and Steve Lopez, Arley (Ordean) and Stella Flateland, infant Keith Flateland, Allen (Butch) Flateland, Ernie Larson; cousins, Ronnie Voeltz, Steve Lopez, Douglas Sheppard and Meril Sheppard; and godfather, Omer Olson.
Services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Gully Hall, Gully, with Pastor Sheila Michaels officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Trail, later in the spring.
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