Esther G. Braaten

Esther G. Braaten, 89 of Wahpeton, ND, passed away Monday, May 22, 2023, in her home. A memorial service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at 10:30 AM, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Pastor Matthew Tooman will officiate.  Esther donated her body to UND School of Medicine.  Burial will be in Gol-Aal Cemetery at a later date.

Esther was born November 30, 1933, to Alf and Jennie (Gaasland) Larson in rural Enderlin, ND.  She attended rural schools and graduated from Enderlin High School.  Esther then attended Valley City State Teachers College for 8 weeks and taught in rural schools.  On August 21, 1953, she was united in marriage to Gilman Braaten at West St. Olaf Church in rural Enderlin, ND.  She continued to teach until she and Gil started raising their family.  They had 3 boys and in 1966, they adopted their daughter Carol.  Esther was active in Gol-Aal and Grace Lutheran Churches, ladies aid, mission sewing and was also active in the community.  She was treasurer for district 7 ND Cattlewomen for many years and served on the LSS auxiliary board.  Esther and Gil moved to Wahpeton in 2008, they were members of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she was active in the church circle and quilting. Esther loved to bake for her children, dance and play cards. Gil passed away on February 8, 2019.  Esther joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in 2021 and attended with her son Wayne.  

Esther is survived by her children, Wayne Braaten, Norman (Karen) Braaten, and Carol (Mark) Rhyne; daughter-in-law, Cindy Braaten; grandchildren, Tracy (Lawrence) Buzalsky, Catherine Braaten, Conner Braaten, Karrissa (Anthony) Nix, Kassandra Braaten, Kameron Braaten, Tavio Mcalister, and Tevon Rhyne; 5 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Chet.

Esther was preceded by her parents; her husband, Gil; son, Dennis; brothers, Howard, Allen, John, and Erling; and sisters, Kathryn Reardon and Marion Bartholamay.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Gol-Aal Cemetery in Wyndmere, ND, Immanuel Lutheran Church, in Wahpeton, or a charity of your choice.