Joni Marie Flaten 

Joni Marie Flaten, born February 25, 1960, passed away on September 20, 2026. 

Joni was born in Langdon, North Dakota, to Aelred and Doreen Dettler. She grew up in Langdon and graduated from Langdon High School in 1978 before attending Mayville State College. 

On March 22, 1980, Joni married Dennis Flaten. Together, they built a life centered around faith, family, and friends and were blessed with three children: Justin, Jeffery, and Kelby. Joni and Dennis farmed together until 1998. After leaving the farm, Joni started a custom framing business in Langdon, which she operated until 2013. Later, she found a calling that reflected the faith that was such an important part of her life, serving as the Religious Education Director at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Devils Lake. 

Devils Lake held a special place in Joni's heart. Beginning in 2004, she and Dennis spent their summers camping there, creating countless memories with family and friends. In 2013, they made the lake their permanent home. In more recent years, Joni and Dennis enjoyed escaping the North Dakota winters and spending their winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona. 

Joni loved entertaining and bringing people together. Whether it was Christmas or the Fourth of July, she loved decorating, hosting, and making holidays special for those around her. She also enjoyed golfing and curling and treasured time spent with family and friends. 

Being a grandmother brought Joni tremendous joy. She made her time with her grandchildren meaningful, whether she was cheering them on at sporting events, taking them for manicures and pedicures, or simply playing with them on the beach. She made sure they knew how deeply they were loved. 

Above all, Joni will be remembered for her lifelong faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was more than something she believed; it guided how she lived, loved her family, and served others. That faith remained with her throughout her life and now provides comfort to those who loved her. 

Joni is survived by her husband, Dennis; her mother, Doreen Dettler; her son Justin (Danielle) and their children, Caelin, Joleigh, and Ansley; her son Jeffery; her daughter Kelby and her daughter, Leightyn; her brothers, Kevin (Becky) Dettler, Steven (Barb) Dettler, Chalmer (Lori) Dettler, and David (Tamara) Dettler; her sister-in-law, Vicky Steen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Beth; her father, Aelred Dettler; and her parents-in-law, Carlton and Esther Flaten. Joni will be deeply missed, but the faith she shared, the love she gave, and the memories she created will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Devils Lake on Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. also at St. Joseph Church with Reverend Matthew Kraemer celebrating the Mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Joni requests donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of which she was a member or to the Retired Priests of the Fargo Diocese Foundation in her memory.

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed at Facebook.com/stjosephchurchdvl