Duane Flaten

Duane Flaten, 77, formerly of Warren, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2026, at his home in Seattle, Washington.

Duane Richard Flaten was born on October 12, 1948, in Warren, Minnesota, the son of Andrew and Elda (Peterson) Flaten. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Warren High School with the Class of 1966. He went on to the University of North Dakota to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. Immediately following graduation from UND he was drafted into the US Army where he completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington, then went on to serve at the Oakland Army Base in California and at the Sukiran Army Base in Okinawa, Japan. Following his honorable discharge in 1972, Duane relocated to Tempe, Arizona where he attained a master’s degree in civil engineering from Arizona State University. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration. His career in civil engineering spanned 38 years, where he was employed in the planning, design, and administration of major public works and land development projects for several organizations based in California and the state of Washington. His last employment prior to retirement was with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Washington.

Duane dedicated much time doing genealogy research , tracing his Norwegian heritage. For many years he was a member of a Norwegian folk-dance group that was dedicated to preserving traditional Nordic folk costume and dances through lessons and cultural performances. Gifts to family members typically included beautiful pieces of rosemaling art, carved wooden folk-art trolls, or books on Scandinavian life. His keen interest in Norwegian heritage culminated in a trip to Valdres, Norway to attend a family reunion.

Duane is remembered by many by his kindness, quiet demeanor, and his quick wit. He was always a gracious host to those who visited him.

He is survived by brothers David and Mark (Judy), and sisters Dianne, Doris (Lloyd), Beverly (Ron), and Karen as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Andrew and Elda, sister Dorothy (Warren), infant sister Brenda, sister-in-law Gloria, and brothers Joel and James (Kathy).

SERVICES are currently pending.
INTERMENT WITH MILITARY HONORS: Melo Lutheran Cemetery, rural Warren, MN.