Beatrice Marie Braaten

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Beatrice “Betty” Marie Braaten, 90, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on April 3, 2023, after a courageous effort against Alzheimer’s dementia.

Betty was born on December 22, 1932, to Carl and Gladys (Spoor) Laursen in Grand Forks, ND. She was Baptized and Confirmed at the United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks and attended Ferry #5 Rural Elementary School. After graduating from Manvel, ND High School, Betty was employed by Norby’s Department Store and as a Teller at Grand Forks area banks.

On October 5, 1952, Betty married her High School sweetheart, Kenneth “Bud” Braaten, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manvel, ND.  They were affectionately known as “Bud and Betty.” Betty continued working at Norby’s while Kenneth was deployed to Germany in the Army.  In 1954, Betty and Kenneth started actively farming and moved to the family farm in Ferry Township near Manvel, ND. 

While raising 4 children, Betty remained active in her Church and Community as a Sunday School Teacher and member of the Manvel Women’s Club. She was recognized for 50 years of service in the American Legion Auxiliary.  She served as an Election Official for several years in Grand Forks County.

Betty was active and supportive of her children’s school and extracurricular activities, volunteering as a Leader for both Cub Scouts and 4-H.  Arts and crafts were a passion of Betty’s and developed into more than a hobby with her participation in several craft shows around the region specializing in baby quilts.  She truly enjoyed the outdoors, taking meticulous pride in her flower gardens and demonstrating her fishing skills at Springsteel Resort on Lake of the Woods. 

Betty enjoyed travel, participating in various Senior Bus Tours throughout North America, and was reunited with relatives on a trip to her father’s birthplace in Denmark.

Betty took special interest in her 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who were the highlight of her day during Holidays, Birthdays, special events and visits.  She was a kind, caring and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She treasured her many close friends throughout the years.

Betty is survived by 2 sons, Dan (Carol) Braaten, Grand Forks, David (Marie) Braaten, Big Sugar Bush Lake; 2 daughters, Debbie (Norman) Conley, Wichita, and Diane (John) Kinney, Manvel; sister-in-law, Elaine (Donald) Laursen; 7 grandchildren, Erick (Sarah) Soltvedt, Justin (Haley Ohms) Braaten, Alison Braaten, Chad (Lesley) Braaten, Kara (Scott) Barber, Joseph Leiss, and Joshua Leiss; 12 great-grandchildren, Jake, Jada, Jericka, Colebie, Addy, Michael, Desmond, Kenna, Carly, Quinley, Sophia, Eliza and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Kenneth Braaten; her parents Carl and Gladys Laursen and brother, Donald Laursen.

**Memorials may be directed to the family and will be given to Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Funeral Services will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12 at Amundson Funeral Home with visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service.

Private Interment: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.