Kenneth Gordon Braaten

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Kenneth Gordon Braaten, announces his peaceful passing on October 14, 2025, at the age of 95 years. 

Ken was born on July 2nd 1930 in North Star AB at his Auntie Inga’s home. He was the second youngest of six children. Born to Hanna Louise Braaten (nee Christianson) and Nels Braaten. His brothers Roy, Bert, Leonard, and Lester all arrived before him, while Harding arrived three years after. 

Bert, Lester and Roy all served for their country together. Bert and Lester were deployed to France, and were killed in action in 1944. Roy was deployed to Italy and later returned home to his family before passing away at the age of 90 years. 

Ken would walk a mile and a half to attend class at Jim Creek School, where he would arrive early to light the fire to earn a wage of two dollars a month. Later, he worked at Nelson’s Mill at Big Mountain South of Grande Prairie, Mitchell’s Mill and Willian’s Mill before working at Empire Lumber where he did carpentry for the community, but Ken was always a farmer at heart. 

Ken followed in his father’s footsteps and spent most of his life farming. He had a true passion for his work and could be quoted saying, “You can take the boy out of the farm, but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.” His life aspiration and goal was to be a farmer. Ken farmed his land in Deadwood for 58 years and took his annual combine ride last month at age 95 on his grandson’s farm.

Ken had a strong tie to his family and faith. Ken helped build the church in Manning and was a member of the Full gospel tabernacle, where he taught Sunday school for many years. Ken would often give back to his community through charity and church programs. 

Ken met the love of his life, Shirley Plummer, in 1955 and later married her on August 1st 1956, where they settled on their farm in Deadwood, and had four children. 16 years ago, they sold the farm and moved into town. 

Ken leaves behind his beloved wife Shirley Braaten of 69 years; His brother Harding Braaten; his children Beverley Brown(Kenton), Marilyn Dawydiuk(Brent), Wade Braaten(Candace), Carla Bieleski(Eugene); his grandchildren Carrie Dodds(Ryan), Jamie Munawych(Kirk), Bj Dawydiuk(Sondra), Branden Dawydiuk(Lindsay), Kiessa Dawydiuk, Trinidy Schmidt(Greg), Amanda Braaten(Kyle), Cory Braaten(Jenn), Tyler Bieleski, Chelsie Bieleski(Chase); his 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous extended family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Family Worship Center in Manning, AB, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00pm.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home (Kristi Heck), Peace River, AB 780-624-1010

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital if one so wishes. 

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