Cover photo for Rodney Flatau's Obituary
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1924 Rodney 2011

Rodney Flatau

October 3, 1924 — August 8, 2011

Rodney A. Flatau, 86, rural Frazee, MN, passed away at his home Monday morning, August 8th, 2011, after a long battle with multiple health issues.
Rodney Albert Flatau was born on October 3, 1924 in Perham Township, MN, the youngest of four children, to Albert and Elsie (Beckmann) Flatau. He was raised on the family farm in Hobart Township. Rodney was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Church, Perham, MN. He attended grade school through high school in the Perham School District 549.
Rodney was united in marriage to Marian Richter on October 1, 1947 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Frazee, MN. They were blessed with four children. They farmed together in Hobart Township for 40 years and continued to reside in their farm home for these 64 years. During their years of farming they used a variety of progressive farming practices including: milk parlor milking, contour farming, and one of the pioneer irrigators in the area.
Rodney was elected and served for 26 years as a Hobart Township Supervisor, for 25 years on the East Ottertail Soil and Water Conservation Board, and on the Perham Co-op Oil Board. He also served his church and community by serving on the Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Frazee church board and on the Flatau Cemetery Board.
During his retirement years, Rodney built & remodeled homes with his nephew, Mark, planted hundreds of trees, grew a large garden, and shared his wood working talents in gifts for all of his children & grandchildren. Rodney and Marian enjoyed many trips around the country to places, like Alaska, Florida, California, Washington, and Louisiana, going to many family weddings, confirmations and baptisms.
Rodney is survived by his wife, Marian, children: Jean (Tom) Tester, Crookston, MN; Susan Flatau, Perham, MN; and Beverly (Glen) Olsen, Baxter, MN; Don (Debbie) Flatau, Springfield, MO. Nine grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren: Michelle (Wade) Weisenburger, Ty, Elise & Nora; Jason (Lindsey) Tester, Addison; Josh (Leah) Tester, Teagan; Erik (Heather) Olsen, Chase, Cayden & Chloe; Leah (Steve) Swenson, Peyton & Cole; Christian Olsen; Laura (Chris) Petrie, Jonas & Kara; Elizabeth (Tino) Leone, Joel & Janna; Karl (Emily) Flatau, Brinley; and eight step-great-grandchildren: Jimmy, Shelsey, Josie, Dawson & Dalton Honer, Natasha, Riley and Bailey Licence; sister Violet (Walt) Johnson; sister & brother-in-law Hazel (Levi) Johnson; sister-in-law Ruth Richter.
He was proceeded in death by parents, brother Vernon Flatau, sister Rhoda Koehnen, in-laws Otto & Emma Richter and brother-in-law Vernon Richter.

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