On the afternoon of September 24th, 2014, Ronald Duane Flath, at the age of 71, passed away with his family by his side. Ron was born on September 3rd, 1943, in Ward County, ND. He was the first child to Albert Flath and Odelia Steinwand. Ron grew up on the family farm in rural Max, ND. Ron was preceded in death by his beloved sister Pamela Flath, mother Odelia, son Ronald Duane Flath Jr, father Albert, and son Brant Martin Flath.
Ron’s life was dedicated to helping others. After graduating high school early and finishing college as a math teacher, Ron was drafted at the age of 23 into the Vietnam War. Ron felt great responsibility to his fellow men and fought hard for those same men. Much of his experiences weighed heavy on Ron. While he received the National Defense Service Medal, Purple Heart with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with V Device and First Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, and Army Commendation Medal for Vietnam during the war.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Ron received his Master’s Degree in Psychology, and began his career helping others recover from similar situations. Ron began working in the federal government as a vocational rehabilitation counselor. He helped countless military personnel struggling with a variety of issues and assisting solders returning to work and society. He worked for 13 years helping other solders.
Eventually, Ron’s health problems led to his retirement in 2002. Ron struggled with both health and severe PTSD issues related to the war.
Ron is survived by his brother Barry Flath, sister Julie Jackson, his sons, Bryon Flath, Bradley Flath and wife Denise; daughter Kara Sperle and husband Scott; grandchildren Briana Flath, Georg Sperle, Brylee Flath, Alyssa Flath, Damian Sperle, Braden Flath, Lexi Flath, Collin Flath, Kaitlyn Swain, and Alyssa Swain; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He cared deeply for all his grandchildren.
Family receiving friends and viewing will be in Helena on Monday, September 29th, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home from 5 – 7 pm with burial services 10:00 am on Tuesday, September 30th, at Fort Harrison Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ronald Flath Memorial Fund at Elkhorn Federal Credit Union. All proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project in honor of Ron.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Monday September 29, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 30, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Joel McMains says
A truer, more insightful, supportive and caring friend I’ve not known. Though it’s painful that he is no longer among us, I’d rather experience my grief than never to have known Ron. I will miss him.
Fred Jense says
Ron worked for me, or should I say with me, in voc rehab at the VA for several years serving our nation’s disabled veterans. Ron for sure was very dedicated and caring, as he was very familiar with the difficulties these veterans were facing. He worked very hard and gave his time very unselfishly. I am sorry Ron had leave us so early. All who knew him, will miss him a a great deal.
Thru his efforts, he helped many of our veterans transition back into a productive life
Thank you Ron
Lowell Torno says
Rest in Peace, My cousin and friend.
Randy Skorheim says
I felt a sadness and great sense of loss when I learned of Ron’s too early passing today. I had the privilege of knowing Ron as a client and friend. I grew up in Minot, and first met Ron when he was a vocational counselor in Great Falls. I am a Viet Nam army infantry veteran dealing with severe PTSD – as was Ron. I was very aware of Ron’s struggle with PTSD and the chronic , severe migraine headaches he endured as a result of his wounds. Ron remains in my memory as one of the most courageous, enduring, and caring people in this life. Rest in Peace, My Brother. Randy.
Ron & Linda Van Diest says
After Denise and Brad married, we had the priviledge of getting to know Ron. He was always soft spoken, generous and kind. We especially noted that, regardless of whose special day it was, there was always a gift from grandpa for each of his grandchildren. No one was ever forgotten; they were all special to Ron. Is it any wonder why his grandchildren thought he, too, was special. Ron may be gone be he leaves behind a treasure trove of memories.
Ron & Linda Van Diest
Delton Torno says
Ron was a super cousing of mine, I worked with him on the farm and he and his family were wonderful people, very generous and caring. Apparently Ron followed the tradition.