Daniel Braaten

Daniel “Moe” Ray Braaten, 51, of Austin, died unexpectedly on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health System of Austin. Daniel was born in Austin on April 16, 1964 to Thomas and Lucille (Wehner) Braaten. He attended and graduated from Austin High School in 1982. He then enlisted in the US Army and traveled all over the world during his 4 years of duty. In 1986 he met the love of his life Tamara Novak while attending college. They married on August 26, 1988 in Austin. Daniel worked for several area companies as a maintenance mechanic. He never lost the desire to learn and he achieved many diplomas. Over the past couple of years, he had been working for Ventura Foods. Daniel enjoyed mowing his yard, gardening, barbequing, cooking, fishing and riding his motorcycle. In his younger years, he was an avid hunter. He developed a soft heart for animals and couldn't bring himself to shoot wildlife any longer. He was an awesome story teller; especially about his family and their wild adventures. He could fill a room with laughter. Daniel was a member of the Masonic Temple. Dan was full of life and lived his life to the fullest. He was always there to lend a helping hand when needed, regardless of who was in need. From putting air in the neighborhood kids bike tires, fixing their chains so they won't fall off, or fixing the plumbing of his daughter's friend. He would often mow the lawns or snow blow the neighbors drive just because he was there. Dan was always just a call away, willing to drop what he was doing to help a friend in need. If you were a friend to Dan, he gave you a nickname and you were stuck with it for life. Daniel is survived by his wife Tamara of Austin; son, Benjamin Braaten of Mankato; daughters, Emily (Kjell) Jacobson of Kittery, ME and Allison Braaten of Austin; his mother Lucille of Belle Plaine; siblings, Thomas (Teresa) Braaten of Rapid City, SD, Teresa (Myron) Bratsch of Belle Plaine, Lucinda (James) Williams of New Prague, along with multiple nieces and nephews. Daniel is preceded in death by his father Thomas Braaten, and a sister, Debra Braaten. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Crane Community Chapel with Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at Mayer Funeral Home with a Masonic Service starting at 7:45pm. There will also be visitation an hour prior to the funeral on Thursday. Military Rites will be performed by the Austin American Legion Post #91 immediately after the service. Burial will be private.

Service Information

Visitation

Wednesday, September 23 2015
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Mayer Funeral Home
600 2nd Street NW P.O. Box 27
Austin MN 55912

Visitation

Thursday, September 24 2015
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Crane Community Chapel

Austin MN

Service

Thursday, September 24 2015
11:00 AM

Crane Community Chapel

Austin MN