Gilman "Gil" Braaten

Gilman “Gil” Braaten, 89, of Wahpeton, ND, formerly McLeod, ND, passed away on Friday, February 8, 2019 at CHI St. Francis Healthcare in Breckenridge, MN.  His memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at Bethel Lutheran Church, Wahpeton.  Arrangements are entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton.

Gilman Arnold Herbert Braaten was born on March 6, 1929 to Oliver and Hannah (Isaacson) Braaten near McLeod, ND.  He attended school in Wyndmere, ND, and graduated from Wyndmere High School with the class of 1947.  During his time at school, Gil excelled at and loved playing sports.  After graduating, he joined the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Alaska during the Korean Conflict.

Gil married Esther Larson on August 21, 1953 at West St. Olaf Church near Enderlin, ND.  He and his family farmed and ranched on their farm near McLeod.

He was a member of the North Dakota Farm Bureau, North Dakota Stockmen's Association, Wyndmere American Legion, the McLeod VFW, and served as secretary for the Gol-Aal Cemetery.

Gill enjoyed hunting, fishing, dancing, spending time with his family, and golfing for a little while, until his eyesight kept him from seeing where the golf ball went.  He had a knack for carpentry and did many projects with his sons.  The last project that he worked on was a remodeling a house in Wahpeton for he and Esther, and he was able to live in that house for a year.  Gil also rode bicycle in the MS150 raising money for Multiple Sclerosis for 19 years.  Gil donated his body to science.

Gilman is survived by his wife, Esther; his children, Wayne Braaten, Dennis (Cindy) Braaten, Norman (Karen) Braaten, and Carol (Mark) Rhyne; his grandchildren, Tracy Braaten (Lawrence Buzalsky), Catherine and Connor Braaten, Karissa (Anthony) Nix, Kassandra Braaten (Aaron Rouse), Kameron Braaten, Tavio McAllister, and TeVon Rhyne; and his great-grandchildren, Rylan and Aiden.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Klinton and Orville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Gol-Aal Cemetery or a memorial of your choice.

Gilman's Memorial Folder