Johan "Alivin" Bratlien

Mesquite, NV- Alvin Bratlien, 84, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2010 in Mesquite, NV. He was born February 26, 1926 in Williston, ND 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 and Betty farmed in the Buford area before moving into Williston where he worked various jobs over the years. Alvin was 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 Marianne moved to Watford City and were partners in the Boating Center until he retired. 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 and Norene started wintering in Mesquite, NV and he looked forward to spending time in the warm climate each year. Alvin is survived by his wife Norene Gorder Bratlien of Williston, ND and Mesquite, NV. Two sisters, Alma Arends (Edwin) and Ellen Hoffland, both of Williston, ND. Children with his first wife Betty Benth: Mickie Croffoot (deceased), William Bratlien (Danila), Virginia Beach, VA, Lana Anderson, Tucson, AZ, Dale Benth (Zandra) and Bruce Bratlien (Laura) both of Sierra Vista, AZ. Eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. Step Children with wife Marianne Steinbeisser Bratlien (deceased): Marilyn Martin (Michael) Church Hill, TN, Leonard Parkos, Cindy Turbyfill (William) and Edward Parkos all of Columbia Falls, MT. Four grandchildren and three great -grandchildren. Step Children with wife Norene: Rocky Gorder (Martha) Sidney MT, Rodney Gorder (Dianne) Mesquite, NV, Valerie Trumpower (Joe) and Vikki Johnson both of Williston, ND. Fourteen grandchildren and fifteen great- grandchildren. Alvin is survived by an extended family with many nieces and nephews. Alvin was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Watford City, ND and the Mesquite Lutheran Church in Mesquite, NV. He was also a member of the Moose, Eagles Lodges and the Sons of Norway Lodge in Watford City, ND. A celebration of his life will take place Wednesday, December 29th at 10:30 a.m. at the Mesquite Lutheran Church, Mesquite NV. A memorial will take place in Watford City, ND sometime in the spring.