LAVON DEAN BRAATEN

LAVON BRAATEN

Lavon Braaten, 79, of Finley, ND, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Lavon Dean Braaten was born in Mayville, ND, on June 12, 1947, to Clarence and Margaret (Moen) Braaten. He was baptized and confirmed at Little Forks Church in rural Portland, ND. He attended country school and later graduated from Portland High School in 1965. He continued his education at the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, where he studied auto mechanics.

On February 22, 1969, Lavon married Jennifer Mears of Hebron, ND. They began their life together in Fargo while Lavon worked for the Muscatell Truck Shop. In 1970, he and his brother, Dennis, bought Southwood Skelly in Fargo. Lavon and Dennis operated the station until 1975, when they moved back home to start farming.

In 1975, Lavon and Jennifer welcomed their first child, Ryan. In 1979, their daughter, Lindsey, was born. Lindsey passed away in 1985. Everyone who knew Lavon knew that his life dimmed after her death.

Until his death, he proudly farmed side by side with his son, Ryan. He enjoyed following his grandkids’ sports, cheering “enthusiastically” from the bleachers. Over the years, he worked on many classic cars and restored a couple of tractors. The project he was most proud of was restoring a friend’s 1956 International H tractor with his son.

Throughout his life, Lavon served with the National Guard in Mayville, was a member of the Finley Lutheran Church council, the Golden Lake Township board, and the Finley American Legion, Peterson-Olson Post 13.

Lavon is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his son, Ryan (Nikki) Braaten; and his grandchildren, Nora and Cole, all of Finley, ND. He is also survived by his siblings, Dennis (Starr) Braaten, JeNell Jacobson (Stan Wiebe), Debbie (Todd) Walcker, Ruby (Steve) Mehl, Milo (Susie Reitmeier) Braaten, and Nancy (Scott) Holt; his sisters-in-law, Karen (Ralph) Roberts and Patricia (Mark) Larson; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lindsey; his parents, Clarence and Margaret; and his niece, Kelli.

If you wish, memorials are preferred to Finley-Sharon Dollars for Scholars, Finley Cemetery, or Finley Ambulance.

A Private service will held at a later date.