Gary Braaten

gary braaten

Gary L. Braaten, 73, of Moorhead, MN, passed away Friday, at his home of natural causes.

Gary was born July 24, 1942 in Lawton, ND, to Elmer and Evelyn (Grunhovd) Braaten. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church at Nekoma, ND and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Edmore, ND. Gary attended grades 1 through 7 at the Highland Central county school. He attended grades 8 through 12 at the Edmore High School and graduated in 1959. 

He then went into the Army and was stationed in Germany for 3 years during the Berlin/Cuban Crisis.  On August 26, 1967 Gary was united in marriage to the former Karen Ann Roble in Seattle, WA before they returned to Harvey, ND shortly after. In Harvey, Gary was employed as a brakeman for the Soo Line railroad for many years. After that, Gary and Karen opened up a carpet and drapery store in Harvey called Carpet Country. Gary and Karen also had two sons, Kyle and Reed, during this time in Harvey.  They then moved to Thief River Falls, MN. While in Thief River Falls, Karen earned a degree in Social Work which led to Gary and Karen moving to the Fargo-Moorhead area where Karen became director of the Myrt Armstrong Center.  While in Moorhead, Gary became interested in studying the harmful effects of the pesticide DDT on the human body. He worked tirelessly to try to bring awareness of the problems DDT caused.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh and joke around, especially with kids. He loved singing karaoke and wanted to call it "Gary-o-kee". He found joy in being with family. Most of all he loved just talking with people and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He truly loved people and they loved him, too. 

Gary is survived by his two sons, Kyle Braaten and his wife Renae of Detroit Lakes, MN, Reed Braaten and his wife Lisa of Minneapolis, MN; two grandchildren, Natalie (Kyle) and Sorren (Reed); sister Agnes Dick, and brother Ronnie Braaten.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, his brothers Daryl and Arnie, and his sister Ellen.

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  1. Harvey NdDear, Kyle and Reed
    I was deeply saddened by the news of your dad’s (my bus driver) passing.
    He always had a smile for me after school.
    He was a great bus driver! Always had kind words of encouragement. Please know that both of you and your families are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I pray that your memories can bring you comfort at this time.
    God bless you and know that he will be missed!
    Fond memories, Rhonda Swang, Harvey,ND

    Ps. if I may ask to have a program from the funeral I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

    ;

  2. Yuma AZTo Gary’s family. Our condolences to you at this time of sorrow. The obituary was so true, that he enjoyed people and we have so many happy memories of Gary. RIP;

  3. vancouver washington My condolences to the family of Gary Braaten I remember well when he was born. His sister Ellen was my best friend and I spent many a time at the Braatens. I will bw thinking of you all as he is laid to rest. Ellen;

  4. Fargo ND

    I work at the Perkins in Moorhead, MN, and had the pleasure of knowing Gary as he came in regularly. He was always fun to talk to, had a joke and a smile, and we’ll miss him terribly. ;

  5. Fargo Gary was such a kind, caring man. He always had a joke or funny story to tell because he liked to hear people laugh. I feel honored I had the chance to meet him and know him, if even for a short while. I take peace in knowing he is reunited with his beloved Karen. My condolences to all of Gary’s family and friends. ;

  6. Oakton VAKyle, Reed & families:

    Your dad was one of a kind. Definitely achieved тАЬfavorite UncleтАЭ status because of his incredible sense of humor, his personal interest in everything we were doing, and his absolute love of family and friends.

    I remember at a very early age when your mom and dad would come to visit. Unlike most of the other adults, your mom and dad were really interested in what I was doing and what I had to say. I think some of the first тАЬadultтАЭ level conversations were with one or both of them.

    Your dad told me a lot about growing up, about the farm and about some of the good and bad things. But is sure seemed like everything had a humorous twist to it. God they loved to laugh.

    I always looked forward to Thanksgiving when you all would come to our house. And, all of the EasterтАЩs that we spent in Harvey. Your mom and dad found the time to come to every momentous event in our lives.

    And they were there for my mom after dad passed away. They took such good care of her, and checked in with her all the time.

    After mom passed, I could always count on your dad to call and let me know what was going on with your family, and he always wanted to know everything that was going on with our family. He was sure the тАЬglueтАЭ that kept us in touch with the Braaten side.

    I sometimes feel as if it is a cop out when we say, тАЬhe is happier now. Your dad was full of life, and had so much to live for. He sure loved the two of you and your families. He always told me what you were all up to and how much time you spent together.

    When your mom was still alive, they talked about coming out to DC to visit. We were looking forward to it, but I think it just got to be too much for your mom. I was hoping to still get him out here for a visit. I think he would have loved touring around and seeing all of the sites, the monuments, Mount Vernon and Arlington Cemetery.

    When I think of Uncle Gary, I always think of him with a smile on his face. A big laugh, and a sharp wit. He never laughed at anyone, but he sure laughed with us.

    IтАЩm sorry for your incredible loss. Time will make things better, but I guarantee that just like your mom, he will always be there with you when you need him the most.

    May he rest with the Angels, Archangels, and all the Company of Heaven.
    ;

  7. Detroit Lakes MNKyle, Reed & Families,
    I keep sending you messages everywhere I can because I am just Sad & lost. After dad passed away, Gary stepped up & Stepped into a role that he certainly did not have to. He called, checked in, and just made Chris, Aaron & I feel loved & still part of the family. He was generous, caring, giving, loving & FUNNY!! Sometimes you just had to sit there and take in his story, but then, the humor would come to you & you would laugh! His stories of Grandma, Grandpa, and my dad were cherished because we couldn’t get them from anyone else. Last Sunday, we met at the hockey arena & he was SO PROUD of the picture book Reed that you guys had made him, that he stood there waiting for me with it and was telling me stories as we went through the pages. From Grandpa BOO BOO to the train with his engine numbers on it. Natalie, he just absolutley adored you. I will love & miss him and you all are in my thoughts & prayers. ;


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