Longtime North Dakota banker and loving husband and father, Arnold "Arnie" Braaten, passed away on Monday, November 8th in his Minot home, surrounded by his family. Arnie demonstrated great strength throughout his life, as he did in his passing. He will be missed by family and friends. The positive impact he had on those who knew him will forever be felt and remembered.

Arnold L. Braaten, known as Arnie to family and friends, was born on January 11, 1928, in Wyndmere, North Dakota, to Lewis and Ann Braaten. He attended rural grammar school and graduated from Wyndmere High School in 1946. He attended the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce Finance.

Arnie married Frances (Fran) Vasek on December 27, 1951, in Grand Forks, ND.

He is also survived by three sons: Rev. James B. Braaten Dickinson, ND; Michael J. Braaten Bloomington, IL; David A. (Ann) Braaten Mequon, WI; and three daughters: Carmen J. (Don) Toman Bismarck, ND; Rhonda R. (Mark) Feist Minot, ND; Joan M. Eilers Sartell, MN. Grandchildren include: David (Nicole) Toman, Tracy (Dustin) Toman-Duval, Melissa (Arlo) Feist-Erickson, Aaron (Nicole) Feist, Carlie Eilers, Bailey Eilers, Ciara Eilers, Makenzi Braaten, Dallas Braaten, Hayden Braaten, Hanna Braaten, Andrew Braaten and six great-grandchildren. Surviving sisters are Clarice Cramer, Inez Puetz, and Jean Carmichael.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Ann Braaten, an infant son, Patrick A. Braaten, a sister (Lois Iverson), and two brothers (Calvin Braaten and Neil Brekke).

Arnie served in the US Marine Corps from 1946 to 1948 with duty in China and later served in the US Air Force from 1951 to 1954, as a Captain and Assistant Finance Officer at Moody AFB, Valdosta, Georgia.

After serving our country, Arnie began his 34-year career in the banking industry at First Bank System at the Red River National Bank in Grand Forks, North Dakota. In 1963, he was elected President of First State Bank of Rolla, North Dakota. From 1965 to 1970, he was Executive Vice President and Director of First National Bank of Bozeman, Montana, and from 1970 to 1985, he was President and Director of First Bank, Minot. From 1985 to 1987, he was Chairman, Director, and CEO of First Bank, Grand Forks and Division Manager of six other Northern North Dakota System banks. He retired in 1987. From 1987 through August 1998, he served as a director of First State Bank of Rolla and First National Bank of Hettinger, North Dakota. He was also a director of the First State Insurance Agency of Rolla, and of Dako Distributors, Inc. of Minot. He was also President of G-B Properties, Inc., in Bozeman which developed and managed commercial and residential real estate.

Arnie was very active in community affairs. He served as Chairman of Minot's Urban Renewal Agency; President and Drive Chairman of Greater Minot's United Fund; President of Minot's Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow; President of the Senior Corps of Retired Executives (Score); President of the Scandinavian Heritage Association; Commander, American Legion Post #6, Grand Forks; Chairman, North Dakota Community Foundation; and Vice Chairman, The Nature Conservancy North Dakota Chapter. He also served as a member of the North Dakota Judicial Conduct Board and in 1985 was elected as an Honorary Member of the State Bar Association of North Dakota. He served also as a past Regent of Minot State University and The University of Mary in Bismarck; a past director of Minot Area Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce; Minot's Red Cross; and Northern Lights Council of Boys Scouts. He served as a board member of Bishop Ryan High School and a Council member of St. John the Apostle Church. He was also a past member of Minot's Elks and Eagles Club. He was a life member of Minot's VFW Post and was a 50-year member of the Grand Forks American Legion Post. He was a 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and at the time of his death was a member of Our Lady of Grace Church, Scandinavian Heritage Association, and the Sons of Norway Thor Lodge. He was a leading successful advocate for branch banking in North Dakota and a successful leading opposing spokesman for a City owned bank. He also was a leading spokesman for the adoption of Ward County Home Rule. He played a major role in establishing Norsk Hostfest and was its chartered vice-president. He was active in numerous fundraising efforts, chairing the fund drive in the rebuilding of the Roosevelt Park Pool, and co-chairing the private fundraising efforts for the All Seasons Arena and the Scandinavian Heritage Center.

Arnie enjoyed his family and grandchildren, spending joyous family time at their summer lake home at Lake Metigoshe. He especially enjoyed fishing and hunting he admired the pheasant with its beautiful bright colors. His office mounting of a pheasant greeted him as he entered his office den. He also enjoyed flowers, never missing a spring planting season. He spent much time in his retirement years assisting with the building of the Scandinavian Heritage Park. It was his hope that an "Annual Heritage Days" event recognizing all community heritages might take place in our Minot city park system. His family and friends saw him as a realistic visionary who will be deeply missed. His long banking career brought him great pleasure and joy through helping many realize their entrepreneurial dreams and through witnessing the great successes and growth of the community that followed.