Jerome V. Braaten, fondly known as “Jerry,” 95, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Fargo, ND.
Born on December 15, 1929, in Watford City, ND, to Morris and Sofie (Eckren) Braaten, Jerry was the third of six children. He spent his early years on the family farm and attended a one-room school in Arnegard, ND. In 1952, Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving proudly until 1956 as a flight line mechanic at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. Following his honorable discharge, he briefly lived in San Francisco, CA, where he worked for a company specializing in overhauling T33s for the Air Force.
Jerry moved to Fargo to attend Wahpeton State School of Science, earning a degree in TV and Radio repair. It was during this time that he met his future wife, Rachel Roscoe. Jerry and Rachel were married in December of 1959 at Faith Methodist Church in Fargo. After graduation, they relocated to Billings, MT, for work.
In 1961, Jerry and Rachel took on a new venture by purchasing a TV repair shop in Watford City, where they lived for approximately two and a half years before settling in Sidney, MT. Jerry dedicated 28 years of his career as an electronic technician at the Agricultural Research Station in Sidney, MT.
In retirement, Jerry and Rachel enjoyed traveling, frequently embarking on bus trips and cruises, particularly river barge cruises throughout the United States. In 2010, they moved to Moorhead, and in 2022, they found a new community at Touchmark, where they cherished the friendships formed and the delightful conversations over meals.
Jerry was a devoted father who exemplified patience, hard work, and empathy toward others. His family was comforted by the outstanding care he received at the VA Hospital, where he expressed sincere gratitude for the support during his final days.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Rachel; four children, Darcy (Kym) Braaten, Kent (Daneen) Braaten, Brian (Jen) Braaten and Suzanne (Jon) Sheldon; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Bette (Darrel) Johnson; one brother, Roger (Pauline) Braaten; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lloyd Braaten and Gene Braaten; and one sister, Phyllis Evanson.
A Memorial Service for Jerry will be held Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 11AM in Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo. Visitation will be one hour prior. Interment will be at the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Messiah Lutheran Church c/o Hour of Worship: 2010 Elm St N, Fargo, ND 58102; or Veterans Honor Flight of ND/MN: PO Box 644, West Fargo, ND 58078.
Arrangements entrusted to Korsmo Funeral and Cremation Service of Moorhead, MN. Online guestbook and condolences can be shared at www.korsmofuneralservice.com
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