Gina Rae Flatness

Gina Rae Flatness, 62, passed away on July 10, 2023 at her home in Albert Lea, MN.

Gina was born on August 25, 1960 to Gerald and Rozella (Carlson) Gleason. She grew up in Albert Lea, MN and graduated from Albert Lea High School (class of 1979). After graduation, Gina moved to Loveland, CO with Paul Flatness. In 1983, they married and soon welcomed a daughter, they named Sandy. Later, Gina and Paul would divorce after 16 years of marriage. 

While in Colorado, Gina owned and operated a successful daycare in her home. She greatly enjoyed caring for and teaching children during her lifetime and found daycare very rewarding. She was a mother figure to many, including some of Sandy's friends while growing up.

In 1999 Gina returned to Albert Lea to be closer to family and care for her mother and father.  While in Albert Lea she was employed at Trail’s Truck Stop, Select Foods, and most recently at Diamond Jo Casino.

In 2008, Gina met Khorn James. This new love blossomed, and they have built a wonderful life together over the last 14 years. Together they have grown a luscious garden and have canned a variety of vegetables to enjoy throughout the year.  In Gina’s pastime, she enjoyed going to garage sales to find the best treasures, planting flowers, watching game shows and Hallmark movies, playing MN lottery tickets, bird watching, cooking, trips to the casino with Khorn, playing puzzle games and spending time with her family & beloved pets.

Although she could be strong willed and stubborn at times, she was known by many for her caring and giving nature. Her family and friends are devastated and greatly miss her.

Left to cherish Gina's memory are: her daughter, Sandy Flatness of Colorado; life partner of 14yrs, Khorn James; siblings, Mike Gleason of Colorado, Julie Gleason (Jacobs) of Texas, and Scott (Tammy) Gleason of Missouri; former spouse, Paul Flatness of Colorado; stepson, Troy Flatness; stepdaughter, Molly James; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends; along with her cat, "Lucky Boy" and her pupper-dog, "Missy, Missy Mae". 

Gina was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Rozella Gleason; grandparents, Harold and Evelyn Gleason and Alfred and Mamie Carlson; step grandfather, Bruce Bickford; sister-in-law, Maxine Gleason; along with many cherished pets.

Gina’s family will hold a small committal service to celebrate her life at 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery in Glenville, MN.