Maurice LeRoy Flaten, the son of Christ and Bergitte Haugen Flaten, was born May 10, 1919 in Kenyon, Minnesota. He passed away on Sunday, January 2, 2011 at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 23 days. Maurice was raised in Minnesota. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps during WW II on June 14, 1942, serving in Africa and Italy. Maurice was honorably discharged on November 20, 1945. He moved to Red Oak in l946 and worked for Wright Tree Service. While living in Red Oak he met Elizabeth L. Briggs, to whom he was later united in marriage on March 30, l947 in Atchison, Kansas. In 1948 they moved to Minnesota. Maurice worked for the State Schools of Minnesota as a stationary steam engineer at Faribault and Owatonna. In l981, they returned back to Red Oak to enjoy retirement. Maurice enjoyed traveling, camping and fishing with his wife and children. He was a gunsmith and taught all his children how to shoot a gun and bow. Maurice also enjoyed music, singing and reading books. He was a member of the V.F.W. in Minnesota and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 034. Maurice was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, 6 brothers, and son-in-law: Gordon Carlson. Maurice is survived by his wife of 63 years: Elizabeth L. Flaten of Red Oak, IA: three children: Linda Carlson of Ashland, WI; Becky Dailey and husband Richard of Loveland, CO; and Thomas Flaten and wife Glenda of Loveland, CO; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends. May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 6, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home, Red Oak, Iowa Burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Red Oak Rev. Dr. Eric Kutzli, Officiating Open viewing at Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home A memorial is being established in Maurice's name. Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.