Lois Jean Flaten was born November 16, 1938 in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Gerald and Ida (Langaard) Bennett. She was baptized on August 16, 1940 at her parent's home by Rev. M.P. Kaatrud, and confirmed into the Christian faith on June 14, 1953 at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church by Rev. H.S. Nasheim. She grew up and attended school in Benson. On September 15, 1956, Lois was united in marriage to Ronnie Flaten in Eveleth, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with five children and 16 years of marriage. Ronnie passed away in April of 1973. On November 15, 1986, Lois was married to Donald Grote in Morris, MN. Lois worked in the dietary department at Meadow Lane Health Care Center in Benson for thirty years. She retired after she developed medical problems, then was diagnosed with dementia. She was a former leader of the Girls Scouts, and a former member of the Sons of Norway, and Homemakers. Among the things she enjoyed were sewing, crafts, cooking, baking and entertaining family and friends. Lois was called from this life on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. She attained the age of 72 years, 9 months and 25 days. Lois is survived by her husband, Don Grote of Benson; her children: Shannon (Steve) Shea of Benson, Debra Wrobleski of Benson, Brenda (Jeff) Shea of Benson, Brian Flaten of Benson and Bruce Flaten of Benson; thirteen grandchildren: Brittany Hill, Tayja Shea, Jeremy & Derek Wrobleski, Stacy Callstrom, Josh, Jacob & Jasmine Shea, Breanna Flaten, Hannah Moline, Zachary Flaten, Jared Yost, and Blake Flaten; six great grandchildren: Payton Hill, Lauren Wrobleski, Megan Wrobleski, Mason Callstrom, Kelvin Shea, and Jaiden Payne; siblings: Barb (Tom) Goulet of Shelby, MT, Carol Gillespie of Chanhassen, Ruby (Jerome) Wrobleski of Little Falls, and George (Vickie) Bennett of Eveleth; nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her first husband Ronnie Flaten; her parents Gerald (Nels) Bennett and Ida Plummer; a niece Peggy Adams; and a brother-in-law, Jim Gillespie.
