Karla Flaten

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved wife, amazing mother, and adored Amma, Karla-Jan Flaten (nee Bjornson), on August 10, 2024, at the age of 61.

Karla will be lovingly missed by her husband Gary, daughter Leah (Darrin), and grand-daughters Kollyns and Kamryn. She also leaves to mourn, her siblings Terry Bjornson (Janet), Kim Bjornson (Brenda), Paulette Smook, and Brent Bjornson (Mary-Ann); sisters-in-law Darlene Bjornson, Joan Dahl (Greg), Bev Patrick (TJ), Betty Thompson (Curtis); brothers-in-law Lyle Anderson, Dale Chubey and Harlan Flaten (Sharran); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. 

She was predeceased by her parents William and Norma Bjornson, parents-in-law Albert and Audrey Flaten; sisters Wanda Thorvaldson, Debbie Anderson and Jackie Chubey; brothers Bradley Bjornson and Delmore Bjornson, and brothers-in-law Mike Thorvaldson and Wayne Smook.

Karla was born on June 7, 1963, in Roseau, MN. She grew up in Piney, MB, the youngest of the ten Bjornson children. Karla was athletic and loved to recount stories of her youth spent riding bikes to town, curling at the rink, playing field hockey and horseback riding. After graduating from Shevchenko School in Vita, she and Gary moved to Winnipeg, then Lorette, where they raised their daughter. They celebrated 40 years of marriage in May of this year. Dedicated partners in all aspects of their lives, Karla and Gary did everything together. They enjoyed countless family vacations to the States and the Caribbean, weekends in Piney, and hot days enjoyed in their backyard pool with extended family and friends. Karla was known as a wonderful hostess, and she and Gary enjoyed opening their home to host celebrations for family. Christmas Eve will not be the same without her.

Karla was a dedicated mother to Leah, coaching every sports team she played on and encouraging every dream she had. She loved to sit with Leah and her friends to hear the latest gossip, and they loved visiting with her just as much. She often referred to Leah as the “light of her life”. That was true, until November 2022 and March 2024 when her granddaughters arrived. Nothing brought her more joy than those two little girls. She loved to do flash cards and sing songs with Kollyns. She was so proud of what a smart little girl she was, and so much of that was thanks to Amma. She adored snuggling with Kamryn and even got her to laugh for the first time. In the very short time she had with them, she taught them so much and showed them an endless amount of love. 

Karla was a dedicated employee of Manitoba Hydro for 38 years until her retirement in January 2024. She made many friends through her roles in various departments. She enjoyed her work with the International Lineman’s Rodeo, travelling to Kansas several times for the event.

While the wonderful memories are endless, we just didn’t have enough time together. We love you, and will make sure that your memory lives on in those little girls.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church located at 1311 Dakota Street in Winnipeg.