Duane Ole Braaten

Northview-North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 388-2288 Duane O. Braaten, age 73, of Mankato, died on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Pathstone Living. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church with Rev. Patrick Patterson officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-7 p.m. at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or Christ the King Lutheran Church. Duane was born on January 15, 1942 in Greenbush, MN to Ole and Eva (Johnson) Braaten. He graduated from Greenbush High School. Duane received his bachelor's degree from North Dakota State University, where he met his wife, Joy. He was a Fulbright scholar for a year's study in France after graduation. Duane received his Master's in statistics from the University of Washington and his PhD in biostatistics. On August 15, 1965, Duane was united in marriage to Joy Smith in Fargo, N.D. After living in Seattle for five years, they moved to Mankato and he worked at Mankato State University as a professor in the computer science department for many years before retiring in 2001. After retirement Duane was a volunteer for VINE. Duane loved bird watching. He built hundreds of bluebird houses and placed them along the Minnesota River helping to revitalize the population. Duane enjoyed traveling, cribbage, and was an avid card player. He loved music and was so devoted to his family. He was a longtime, active member of Christ the King where he served on the church council and was a member of their choir. Duane is survived by his wife, Joy of Mankato; two daughters, Rachel (Larry) Studt of Eau Claire, WI and Erika (Rob) Allen of Apple Valley; grandchildren, Claire, Laurel, and Nathan Studt and Connor and Annika Allen; siblings, Melvin Braaten, Ed (Eldora) Braaten, and Mavis (John) Pidd; brother-in-law, Vern Klein; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jeanette Klein.