Marie Braaten

Marie Christine (Torkelson) Braaten, 96, went home to be with her Lord on November 30, 2022, at Four Seasons Healthcare Center in Forman, ND. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 8, 2022, from 10 am – 11 am followed by her funeral service at 11 am at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home in Wahpeton, ND.  Burial will be in Gol-Aal Cemetery in rural Wyndmere, ND.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home.

Marie Christine Torkelson, was born on December 21, 1925, near Strandquist, MN, to Carl and Ida (Ruud) Torkelson.  One of nine children, Marie was baptized and confirmed at Hegland Lutheran Church.  She attended grade school at the Fir Schoolhouse and graduated in 1943 from Karlstad High School in Karlstad, MN.

Marie attended Lutheran Bible Institute of Minneapolis.  She became a registered nurse through the WAAC program Women’s Army Auxiliary Corp where she did her schooling at Bethesda Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. Marie was a surgical nurse at the Veterans Hospital in Fargo, ND for ten years before becoming a farmer’s wife. She met Kenneth Braaten at a Concordia Christmas Concert.  They were married November 23, 1957, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN and were married 54½ years.

Marie enjoyed baking, Bible Study and spending time with family. She loved the Lord and was a mighty prayer warrior for her family, friends and neighbors.  Marie loved her children and grandsons.  Marie was a lifelong learner even in her later adult years taking classes at the local State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND like accounting, and Norwegian class at the Sons of Norway in Fargo, ND. 

She is survived by her children, Kimberly (Dan) Strand of Mapleton, MN and Marshall (Rhonda) Braaten of Wyndmere, ND; three grandsons, Joshua Braaten, Devin Braaten and Mark Strand; sister, Louise Becker of Warren, MN; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; infant brother, Alfred; brothers, Norvel Torkelson, Oliver Torkelson; sisters, Thelma Thompson, Amy Fedje, Clarice Erickson and Valborg Torkelson.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to MN Adult Teen Challenge or to the charity of your choice.