David Bradley Flaten
David Bradley Flaten, age 69, passed away unexpectedly and went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, July 6, 2026.
Dave was born to Clinton and Cora (Stensland) Flaten as the youngest of seven children on February 7, 1957, in Wolf Point, Montana. He attended Turner School in the Prairie Elk community, southwest of Wolf Point, until 7th Grade when he began attending school in Wolf Point. He graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1975.
Dave married his high school sweetheart, Pam (Deneault) Flaten, on November 16, 1974, and they have been happily married for over 51 years. Dave and Pam moved to Glasgow in the summer of 1988, where they continued raising their four boys: Jason, Brady, Brenner and Cade. Farming was life for the Flaten family. As his father Clinton’s health began to deteriorate with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Dave stepped in and took over the reins of the Flaten Ranch right out of High School. He continued with cattle operations until 1986, but his true agricultural love was wheat farming. A job that he stayed faithful to for 48 consecutive years before parking his combine one final time after the 2023 Harvest season. Dave began a side career as a Contracted Mower in the summer of 1998, a commitment that he would continue for 29 years. What began with a six-year run with the Corps of Engineers in Fort Peck blossomed into a 25-year successful partnership with the St. Marie Condo Association. A job that he continued until his death. Mowing was not really a job to Dave, because he enjoyed every bit of it.
Dave was a standout wrestler for the Wolf Point Wolves, finishing 2nd Place in Class A at 98 pounds in 1973. He turned that success into over 20 years as a well-respected wrestling coach. He helped lead the Wolf Point Wrestling Club from 1982 to 1988. He then took over the Head Coaching role with the Glasgow Wrestling Club immediately upon arrival and held the position for 10 years (1989-1998). He shaped the lives of countless young boys, both on and off the mat, and left a lasting legacy as a true pillar of the sport.
Over the last four years, Dave had seen his faith grow in extraordinary ways. He found his spiritual footing with the Glasgow Assembly of God Church and he became very connected to the word of God. He began reading the Bible with passion and with consistent regularity. He formed new friendships and was very active in prayer groups within the church, looking forward to Men’s Breakfast every Friday morning. His family noticed renewed purpose as he walked out the messages learned in Scripture. He was a true man of Christ.
Above all, Dave was a dedicated family man. A reliable and faithful husband, a loving father, and an extremely devoted Grandpa. He was always present. He has been a rock for all of his siblings and much of his extended family. While Dave was in Middle School, his brother Doug had an accident which resulted in a traumatic brain injury. This began a life of assistance to his big brother. Dave has stood faithfully by Doug’s side and helped him through his challenges for over 55 years.
Dave is preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Foth; and parents, Clinton and Cora Flaten. He is survived by his wife, Pam and their four sons: Jason, Brady (Lacey), Brenner (Alison) and Cade (Shielda); eleven grandchildren: Hudson and Hadley Flaten, Collins, Brenley, Hayden and Pierce Flaten, Ryder and Arianna Flaten, DC and Kennedy Flaten, and Addison Jones; five siblings: Sharon (Wayne) Riley of Lewistown, Marlene (Larry) Potts of Hewitt, Texas, Marcia (Gary) Fast of Lustre, Doug Flaten of rural Wolf Point, and Connie (Bob) Charette of Billings; and many close nieces, nephews and cousins.
Family will receive friends Friday, July 10, 2026 from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Church in Glasgow, Montana with Pastor Tom Fauth officiating. Burial will be private in Highland Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymt.com.
