Howard "Rocky" Flateland

Howard (Rocky) Flateland, 67, of Gulfport, MS passed away peacefully Thursday, February 23, 2023 at his home.
Services will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 at the Gully Hall, Gully, MN with Pastor Sheila Michaels officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Trail, MN later in the spring.
Howard (Rocky) Dean Flateland was born May 9, 1955 to Howard & Sylvia (Voeltz) Flateland in Fosston, MN. Rocky was the oldest of 8 kids. He was baptized June 13, 1955 at the parsonage in Trail, MN. by Pastor Robert Preus. Rocky's Godparents were Omer & Shirley (Voeltz) Olson. He was confirmed on May 24, 1970 at Sand Valley Lutheran Church, Trail, MN. 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 Seabee's. 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, MN.
Following their marriage Rocky & Jean lived in Trail, Holt & Thief River Falls, MN. 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 owned a mechanic shop.
In the mid 80's they moved to Biloxi/Gulfport, MS. Rocky worked various jobs and owned a lawn care business. Rocky & Jean welcomed Kelvin into their family in 2005.
Rocky is survived by his son Kelvin Flateland of Wiggins, MS; mother Sylvia Flateland of Trail, MN; Sisters and brothers, Joyce Sather of Gonvick, MN, Judy (Jerry) Seyller of Trail, MN, Gordon Flateland of Billings, MT, Janet Flateland Mueller of Long Prairie, MN, Wesley (Lynn) Flateland of Clearbrook, MN and Roxann (Roger) Coan of Goodridge MN; Sister-In Law Ginger Flateland of Trail, MN; 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 & John Ratkovec, Otto Voeltz, Etta & Knute Flateland, Aunts & Uncles; Marvel Sheppard, Deloris & Steve Lopez, Arley (Ordean) & Stella Flateland, infant Keith Flateland, Allen (Butch) Flateland, Ernie Larson; Cousins Ronnie Voeltz, Steve Lopez, Douglas Sheppard and Meril Sheppard; Godfather Omer Olson.