Gerald C. Braaten

Gerald Braaten, age 82, of Wheaton, Minnesota passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the Traverse Care Center in Wheaton.

Gerald Curtis Braaten (Jerry) was born on February 17, 1942 to John and Clara Braaten, in Kindred, North Dakota. He was the youngest of eight children. Jerry was raised on a farm in Kindred and graduated from Kindred High School in 1959. He participated in numerous sports but excelled in baseball. 

Jerry enlisted with the Navy Reserve and served from June of 1962 to May of 1964. He later attended North Dakota State College of Science graduating with a HVAC degree. He worked for Tessiers in Mitchell, SD, where he met his wife Barbara J. Schroeder. They were married on November 25, 1966. They moved to Wheaton, Minnesota in 1972 where he started in business with Walrath Sheetmetal. He purchased the business in 1985 renaming it Wheaton Heating. 

Together Jerry and Barb raised three children: Nicolle J. Toso (Daryn), Rhonda K. Antrim Petersen (Doug), and John C. Braaten (Tanya). They have six grandchildren: Trent Toso (Sharlie), Mitchell Toso (Jordan), Rachel Ott (Austin), Jacob Antrim, Madi Braaten and Zachary Braaten. They also have four great-grandchildren: Crosby, Tripp, Maggie, and Tucker. Jerry instilled a love of sweets in all of them. 

Jerry enjoyed sports, baking, shaking dice, cards, gardening, playing pool, and bike riding. Jerry never really retired and loved going to work with his son John. He also enjoyed family gatherings and his grandchildren. Jerry had a strong work ethic and good sense of humor. He was also a member of the Masons, where he developed some great friendships. 

Jerry is preceded in death by his father and mother and five siblings: Ardell Braaten, Ben Braaten, Gertrude Rockstad, Mabel Sargeant; his daughter Nicolle; and son-in law, Daniel Antrim. 

He is survived by his wife Barb; children Rhonda and John; grandchildren: Trent Toso (Sharlie), Mitchell Toso (Jordan), Rachel Ott (Austin), Jacob Antrim, Madi Braaten and Zachary Braaten; great grandchildren: Crosby, Tripp, Maggie and Tucker; brother Julian Braaten; sisters: Sissel Heckman and Crystal Cislo; and many in-laws, nieces, and nephews. 

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Wheaton with Rev. Cheryl Berg officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Burial will be held at Wildwood Cemetery, rural Wheaton.