Julian Braaten

Julian passed away peacefully to heaven on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at his beloved farm surrounded by his family and under the excellent care by Ethos Hospice staff.

Julian Clayton Braaten was born on May 26, 1933, in Homestead Township, rural Wyndmere, ND, in a little red farmhouse on the prairie. Julian had 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Julian was confirmed in Walcott Lutheran Church with his younger brother Ardell. He attended a country school in Barrie Township and made his way to school by foot in good weather and during the winter, by horse and sleigh as well as homemade snow skis.

Julian honed many skills prior to choosing cattle and grain farming. In Julian’s younger years, he worked 5 summers for the Great Northern Railroad for $1.595 per hour. Julian put his carpentry skills to use when he hired on to build an elevator in Dwight ND for one season.

Julian raised a variety of livestock including chickens, pigs, dairy cows, sheep, beef cattle and this eventually evolved into raising beef cattle and grain farming. He started farming with horses and then transitioned to tractors because Julian preferred horsepower over horses! He spent many hours in the hayfield and putting up silage to support the cattle. One of his favorite sayings was “It’s never too hot to hay!” To support his family income, Julian also did custom corn picking, fencing, and custom haying. His children were included in these activities until they graduated. Then Julian bought a big round baler!

Julian appreciated a good cattle fence and would split his own oak rail fence posts in winter, and his two sons had the privilege of learning and helping with this endeavor!

Julian served his community by serving as a Sexton for Gol Cemetery and township board member for Barrie Township. You could often find him running the road maintainer in Barrie township keeping the roads graded.

His favorite hobby was working in his shop, fixing old tractors and making them like new again. In winter months, he and Emily would often play whist with their farm neighbors living close by.

Julian liked to dance and met his future wife, Emily Ruth Dahl, at the annual calf dance in McLoed ND, October of 1956 in celebration and appreciation of a good calf sale. Julian and Emily were married June 19th, 1958, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeLamere, ND. They were married 68 wonderful years working side by side with the cattle and grain farming. They were lifelong members of Gol Lutheran Church, rural Kindred, until it closed.

Julian’s greatest asset was his work ethic. He put his heart, soul, and body into his farm and his family. He passed on this work ethic not only to his children but also to his grandchildren which has guided them to success in their respective careers.

Here is a note from Julian: “I worked as a farmer all my life and respected taking care of the land and animals, and I respected all the farmers that did the same. I appreciated all the staff at Ethos Hospice including Deb, Emily, Kim, Hannah, Amanda, Cassidy, and Pastor Alex. They are a gifted team.”

Julian is survived by his loving wife, Emily; his five children- two sons- RaeDell (Heidi) and Daniel (Melissa) and daughters Joan Grabanski (Raymond); Kimberly Sklebar (Ron), and Cindy Vought (Mike). Julian is also survived by 12 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and two expected in 2026. He has one surviving sister Sissel (Sparky) Heckman, CA.

Julian was preceded in death by his parents John and Clara Braaten; Brothers Benny, Ardell, Jerry, and sisters Mabel Sargent, Trudy Rockstad, and Crystal Cislo.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11 AM Friday, January 16, 2026, at Fredrikson-Boulger Funeral Chapel in Kindred, ND – with a visitation one hour prior

BURIAL: Barrie Cemetery rural Walcott, ND, in the spring

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Fredrikson-Boulger Funeral Chapel in Kindred, ND. To view a livestream of the funeral service, or to sign the online guestbook, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.

Memorials are requested for Ethos Hospice or your favorite charity.