June 22, 2011

Johan Bratlien

Johan “Alvin” Bratlien, 84, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2010, in Mesquite, Nev. A celebration of his life will take place Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D.
He was born Feb. 26, 1926, in Williston, N.D., to Ole J. Bratlien and Edda Sveen Bratlien.
Alvin grew up in the Williston area and enjoyed farming for his grandmother. His family owned and operated a coal mine in Stoney Creek Township. He graduated from Williston High School in 1945.
As a young adult, Alvin enjoyed flying airplanes, and often dropped groceries to his grandmother in the winter via the plane. The annual hunting camp with his friends became a highlight each year. Most recently, golf was a favorite past time. Alvin was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, and loved to share the language with those who were willing to converse with him. Alvin was a man of many talents, and was always willing to help anyone in time of need. He was a farmer, mechanic, oil field welder, pilot, aerial hunter, heavy equipment operator, musician, and accomplished accordion player.
He and Betty farmed in the Buford area before moving into Williston, where he worked various jobs over the years. Their children: Mickie Croffoot (deceased), William Bratlien (Danila), Virginia Beach, Va., Lana Anderson, Tucson, Ariz., Dale Benth (Zandra) and Bruce Bratlien (Anna), both of Sierra Vista, Ariz.
In 1969, he married Marianne Steinbeisser and the family grew to include: Marilyn Martin (Michael), Church Hill, Tenn., Leonard Parkos, Cindy Turbyfill (William), and Edward Parkos, all of Columbia Falls, Mont. Al and Marianne moved to Watford City and were partners in the Boating Center until he retired. They enjoyed many summers at the lake. After 32 years of marriage, he lost Marianne in 2001.
In 2004, Alvin married Norene Gorder. They traveled, camped and enjoyed wintering in Mesquite, Nev., where he looked forward to spending time in the warm climate each year. Once again, the family grew to include: Rocky Gorder (Martha), Sidney, Mont., Rodney Gorder (Dianne), Mesquite, Nev., Valerie Trumpower (Joe), and Vikki Johnson, both of Williston, N.D.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Norene Gorder Bratlien, of Williston and Mesquite; two sisters, Alma Arends (Edwin) and Ellen Hoffland, both of Williston; his children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alvin is also survived by an extended family with many nieces and nephews.
Alvin was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, and the Mesquite Lutheran Church in Mesquite. He was also a member of the Moose and Eagles lodges, and the Sons of Norway Lodge in Watford City.
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER