Jerome E. Braaten

   Jerome Braaten, 88, of Portland, ND most recently of Fargo, ND passed away peacefully at Bethany Homes on 42^nd on May 19, 2022.

   He was born on September 19, 1933, at the family farm in Steele County to Charley and Caroline (Basol) Braaten. He was baptized and confirmed at Little Forks Lutheran Church, Hatton, ND. He graduated from Portland High School in 1952 and was a proud Portland Pirate! Soon after graduating, he took over the family farm. On October 24, 1954, he married Arlene Stenstad at Mayville Lutheran Church, Mayville, ND. They recently celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.  Jerome and Arlene farmed for many years.  After retirement, he helped local farmers doing what he loved. His last farmhand experience was with dear friends, Harlyn and Laurel Erickson.

   Jerome and Arlene were blessed with three children:  Carol, Jeffrey, and David.  After moving off the farm, they built a home in Portland, and years later moved to Fargo.

   As part of the Mayville-Portland community, Jerome served on several boards:  Cenex, Portland Credit Union (26 years), Portland City Council & EDC, Mayville-Portland High School PTA, Traill County Rural Water (14 years; instrumental in getting rural water expanded into the local area), Enger Township, Luther Memorial Home, Bang Brotherhood, and Church Council and Cemetery at both Little Forks and Bang Lutheran Churches.

   He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, especially basketball.  After his grandchildren graduated, he continued attending MPCG and Mayville State University athletics.

   During Jerome’s retirement years, he lived for music and was a proud member of the Hayshaker’s band for several years where he played violin and accordion.  He was a natural musician and played only by ear. He looked forward to Friday night Lindaas Barn Dances every summer as well as any opportunity to play duets with David on the piano—especially during Christmas.

   Jerome enjoyed taking care of animals and would always walk to the pet shop in the mall to see the animals. He was a kind and gentle soul and a good Norwegian! He would stop anytime to have a conversation with someone in Norwegian.

   Jerome is survived by his wife: Arlene; son: David, Minneapolis, MN; granddaughters: Kasie (Charles) Windfelder, Navarre, FL; Rammie Olson, Fargo, ND; grandson: Brady (Michelle) Braaten, St. Pete, FL; great grandchildren: Jaylee and Rhett Olson and Madelyn Windfelder; sister-in-law: Marlys (Arden Sr.) Rux, Portland, ND; and several nieces and nephews.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clarence and Vernon, sister Lila, daughter Carol, and son Jeff.

   A family graveside service will be held at Bang Lutheran Church, rural Portland ND.