Stuart Flaa

Stuart Flaa, 81 of Fargo, ND, formerly of Abercrombie, ND, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, in his home.  Visitation will be on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by his funeral service at 11:00 am, at Bethany Free Lutheran Church in rural Abercrombie, ND.  Pastor Thomas Reagan will officiate the service. Burial will be in Bethany Free Lutheran Cemetery in rural Abercrombie.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Stuart Emil Flaa was born to Emil and Frances Flaa (Alexander) on September 30, 1942, in Fargo, North Dakota.  He was raised in Rural Richland County, ND and attended Abercrombie Elementary and Abercrombie High School where he graduated in 1960. He attended North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton and earned an associate's degree in Diesel Mechanics. Stuart then began his first profession as an over-the-road truck driver. He transported materials for the Air Force bases and missile sites throughout North Dakota, then went to work full-time with Silverline Boat Company out of Moorhead, MN. Stuart delivered boats to 49 states, and even 30 years later remembered every turn on every road to the best breakfast restaurants in the USA.

In 1964, Stuart enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He was trained as a combat engineer and demolition expert assigned to Charlie Company, 231st Engineer Combat Battalion in Wahpeton.

On July 3, 1968, Stuart married the love of his life, Patricia Rae Ann Johnson. They settled in Abercrombie and began raising their two sons, Jeff and Brad.

In 1972, Stuart was in a severe car accident. Miraculously everyone survived, but serious injuries led Stuart to lose all vision in both eyes.  This was a life-changing event, but in no way deterred Pat and Stuart from their faith and their devotion to raising their family.   Soon after recovering from the accident, the family built a hog farm southwest of Abercrombie. With the help of countless close friends, his brother Stenny, and other family, Stuart farrowed 16 sows twice a year; took the feeder pigs to auction; maintained cars, trucks, and tractors; mowed lawn; blew snow; and restored antique tractors, all in total darkness.

Stuart was known to many in the community as a gifted conversationist, engaging storyteller and informed local historian. Stuart was a trustee at Bethany Lutheran Church for many years, and a member of the Sons of Norway and American Legion.

Stuart enjoyed attending his children’s sporting events, time with his grandchildren, coffee and bars with friends and family, church activities, farm life, working on antique tractors, and reminiscing about his days in the truck.

Today, Stuart is in Heaven with Jeff and Anders and so many friends and family. His pain is gone, and there’s no more darkness. He can see with clarity that we can only imagine.

Stuart is survived by his wife, Patricia; son, Brad (Marsha) Flaa; granddaughters, Hannah, Annika and Mollie; nieces, Nancy (Joe) Wulfekuhle, Jody (Tim) Bergman and Kim Mitchell; and nephews, Mike (Aimee) Flaa and Mike (Susan) Johnson. 

Stuart was preceded in death by his father Emil, mother Frances, brother Steiner, sister-in-law LaRue Flaa, son Jeffrey Ditch, grandson Anders Flaa, father and mother-in-law Irwin and Beatrice Johnson, and brother-in-law Paul Johnson.