Donna Flatten

Donna M. (Brown) Flatten, 89, formerly of Grand Forks , ND died Tuesday, December 27, 2011 in Mt. Vernon , WA . Donna M. Young was born March 5, 1922 in East Grand Forks , MN the daughter of Carl and Annie (Helseth) Young. She was raised and educated in East Grand Forks and graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High. She worked many years as a sales associate for Davis Jewelry of Grand Forks. Donna married Omer A. Brown during WWII. They had a great life together and taught their children by example that "God, family and community" were of most importance. Evidence of their humor and joy is interwoven throughout the extended family. Following Omer's death, Donna married Lewis H Flatten. They enjoyed traveling during retirement, spending winter months in Mesa, Arizona and sharing life with her children and grandchildren as well as his five daughters : Estelle, Joyce, Joanne, Carlyne, and Lorraine, their husbands, children and grandchildren. Donna was an active member of United Lutheran Church , the VFW Auxiliary, YMCA (Women's Running Group) and the Elks Auxiliary. She enjoyed golfing, dancing, cooking and baking. Her joy of playing cards kept her in a group until well into her eighties. In her earlier years, she was a runner and continued to be a walker until she was no longer able. Most of all, she enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family and friends deeply. Some of her last words to them were "be happy." Donna's faith was strong and she had a remarkable ability to reflect God's love in respect and aid to people. She deeply appreciated the parishioners and pastors of United Lutheran Church where she was a member of the Prayer and Share group and Augustana Lutheran Church where her daughter serves as pastor. Survivors include her children, Gary (Susan) Brown, Mt. Vernon , WA , William ( Nancy ) Brown, Silver Lake , MN , Kathryn Brown, Grand Forks ; grandchildren, Michael Brown, Brooklyn, NY, Krista Brown, Mt. Vernon , WA , Davin Brown, Fargo , ND and Brittney Brown, Silver Lake , MN . She was preceded in death by both of her husbands; her parents; brother, Arthur Young and sister, Esther (Young) Mellem. Funeral Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, January 6, 2011 in United Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks. Memorials are preferred United Lutheran Church , Augustana Lutheran Church or the Omer A. Brown Family Fund at UND.