Verland E. Flatten

On the evening of Thursday December 3rd, 2020 heaven welcomed Verland E. Flatten home. “Vern”, as many of his family and friends addressed him, was born in the fall, on October 4, 1944 to Archie and Palma (Johnson) Flatten. He attended Winona Senior High School, and upon graduation he proudly served in the United States Army with the Third Armored Division. He became a member/ former Commander of The American Legion Post 595 of La Crescent, Minnesota. Vern fell in love and married Sherry Grodevant on July 17th of 1965 at English Lutheran Church. Sherry preceded Verland in death on March 31, 2003 after 38 years of marriage. Together Vern and Sherry are survived by their two sons Scott (Caroline) Flatten of La Crosse and Kirk (Colleen) Flatten of Onalaska and daughter, Kelly Sherfield of Holmen. They were blessed with seven grandchildren, Jacob, Emily, Benjamin, Nathan, Annmarie and Alexandra Flatten as well as Tessa, Mackenzie and Zachary Sherfield. He is survived also by his sister JoAnne Breiseth of Aurora, Illinois, sisters in-law Donna Flatten of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Edith Flatten of Jolliet, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife Sherry, parents Archie and Palma Flatten, brothers Arlyn and Ronald Flatten and brother in law Dick Breiseth.

Later in his life he found that rare love again with Suzanne “Sue” (Hammel) Iverson. They married on September 8th, 2007 at Crucifixion Church. He said it was an honest miracle he was blessed with two amazing loves in his life. He is survived by Sue and the growth of his family with his four stepsons Alan (Amber) Iverson, Michael Iverson, Scott (Kelly) Iverson, Paul (Lori) Iverson and the continued blessing of grandchildren, Nicholas, Kristen, Alex, Cole, Tyler, Tanner, Savannah, Samantha, Amanda, Autumn, Kyler, Kaitlyn and one great grandchild, Aspen. Vern had always felt fortunate for the expansion of his family. He would speak so highly of all the grandchildren he had; he cherished the time he was able to spend with them. He was present for their events, building things for or with them and giving advice on life teaching them how to be good people. Vern truly loved his children and step children, the families they created, and all the love they brought to his life.

Vern lived a long, beautiful life, finding joy in Harley Davidson motorcycles. Whether it was breathing in the fresh air while riding across the country or taking things apart and putting them back together in the garage of his home; Vern had the heart of a mechanic. The majority of his career was spent working for Mathy Construction and Classic Rock Products where he was known for his strong work ethic. He was a problem solver, a helping hand, and a generous spirit who was prepared to be there for his family and friends in any way he could.

Vern and Sue shared their lives in La Crescent, Minnesota surrounded by loved ones. They both also enjoyed the sunshine and warmth of their home in Lakeland Florida where they would retreat in the winters. It was there he was able to relax in the sun, trade those worn cowboy boots for some double velcro easy steppers and take a leisurely drive in the golf cart around his community. Vern easily made friends wherever they were, it was that neighborly smile and friendly banter that made his presence so magnetic. It was in Florida at Lakeland Regional Hospital where Verland found peace. His loved ones celebrate the true blessing it was having Vern in their lives, his memory lives on with them.

Funeral Services with military honors provided by American Legion Post 595 will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hokah, Minnesota, for immediate Family. A celebration of life will occur in the spring or summer of 2021.

Verland’s Family would like to ask in lieu of flowers a memorial for the La Crescent American Legion Post 595.