Richard Flanders, 81, of Calvin, N.D., passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Richard Allan Flanders was born on Oct. 4, 1943, in Langdon, to Donald and Lois (Gage) Flanders. His family made their home on a farm near Calvin, N.D. Richard graduated from Calvin High School in 1961. He attended college at Ellendale, Mayville, and Devils Lake, N.D., before returning home to farm with his father. He was also in the North Dakota National Guard from 1966 to 1972.
Richard married Marlyn Stone on Nov. 6, 1965. They lived in Devils Lake, and a few years later, they moved to the family farm. Richard and Marlyn had one daughter, Kari, who was born on Aug. 27, 1975. As a family, they enjoyed going on downhill skiing vacations, camping, and fishing.
Richard was involved on many boards over the years. He was on the Border Central School Board, Calvin Rural Fire Department, Cavalier County Commission, Calvin Corinthian Cemetery Board, and Grey Township to name a few.
Richard enjoyed visiting with others. Even if he met you for the first time, within minutes, it didn’t feel that way. He loved teasing people, and if he gave you a hard time, it was a compliment. Family, friends, and community were important to him, and he was always willing to help when needed.
Farming was Richard’s passion his whole life. It wasn’t a job for him but a calling. He slowly began to cut back in recent years but continued to farm. Richard was also a car enthusiast. He and Marlyn became members of the Greater Dakota Classics Club in Devils Lake, and they enjoyed traveling to car shows around the state.
He will be remembered for many things. He was a loving husband, father, and friend. He had strong convictions but also the willingness to hear the other side of a debate. Richard’s smile and sense of humor will remain in the hearts of the many people he touched over the years.
Richard is survived by his daughter Kari (David) Hill of Overly, N.D.; sister Janice (Mack) Evans; sister-in-law Peggy Flanders; in-laws Merlyn and Arlys Stone, Arvid and Joan Stone; sister-in-law Annalee Stone; and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Lois Flanders; his wife Marlyn on March 7, 2024; brother Duaine Flanders; in-laws Myrna Stone, Gilmore and Betty Murphy, Floyd and Ramona Stone, and Marvin Stone.
Services are pending for June 13 in Devils Lake, N.D., and June 14 in Langdon, N.D.
