Frances Fran M. Braaten , 88, Rice, MN, formerly of Minot and East Grand Forks, MN died August 6, 2017.

Frances was born on August 17, 1928, to Joseph and Mary Vasek of rural East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Raised on the family farm with her large family of seven girls and three boys, Fran attended country school, and graduated in 1947 from East Grand Forks Sacred Heart Catholic High School.

After high school graduation, while working in sales in Grand Forks (N.D.), Fran met her future husband-Arnold. They married in 1951, and from their union they were blessed with seven children. The family made their home in Minot from 1970-1985, where Arnold served as President and Director of First Bank. They later made their home in Grand Forks and Rolla, ND. Arnold died November 8, 2010.

Fran was a loving spouse and nurturing mother whose primary passions were her family's happiness and well-being. An accomplished hostess, Fran was an excellent cook. A special delight was Fran's holiday baking.

Fran's creative and artistic talents were captured through her numerous oil and water color paintings. Possessing a delightful sense of humor, Fran had a lovely laugh and smile.

Blessed to have shared her life are Fran's children: The Reverend Monsignor Jim Braaten, Carmen (Don) Toman, Rhonda (Mark) Feist, Joan Braaten, Michael Braaten, and David (Ann) Braaten; sisters Lorraine Smedsrude and Adeline Klitzke, 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces.

Frances was preceded in death by her husband-Arnold, son-Patrick; her parents, brothers-William and Ralph and sisters- Martha, Elsie, Mildred, and Margaret.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, August 14, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot, N.D.
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park -Minot, N.D.
Visitation: Monday one hour prior to the service in the Church.
Memorials are preferred to: Bishop Ryan High School Foundation, Minot, N.D.