Obed M. Braaten

Obed M. Braaten, age 86 of Viroqua, died Monday, September 25, 2006 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua. He was born June 3, 1920 to Ole and Nora (Jackson) Braaten in their farm home near Readstown, Wisconsin. He married Myrtle Jacobson on Sunday, November 14, 1948 in the old Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. He attended school in Readstown area schools and he was a farmer until 1950. He continued to work on road construction, as intake operator at the Viroqua Co-op Creamery, and as a correctional officer at Waupon State Prison. He also worked at Tri State Breeders and Viroqua Area Schools. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, restoring antique tractors, building bluebird houses, playing cards and games. He was a lifetime member of Franklin Lutheran Church, rural Soldiers Grove and he was a member of the Viroqua Eagles, Coulee Antique Engine Club, Westby Senior Citizens, Viroqua Senior Citizens, and Civil Defense. Obed is survived by his wife, Myrtle; one son, Ole (Nancy) Braaten of Viroqua; one granddaughter, Kari (Chad) Hoyum of Viroqua; three step-grandchildren: Jared, Tyler, and Jenna Denstad; one great-grandson, Jackson Hoyum; five sisters: Naomi McDaniel, Phyllis (Selmer) Jacobson, Rebecca Erickson and Beverly Fredrick, all of Viroqua, and Deanna (Merrill) Gardner of Onalaska; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Braaten and Nellie Braaten, both of Viroqua; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ole and Nora (Jackson) Braaten; brothers, Kermit Braaten, Norman Braaten and Myron Braaten; brothers-in-law, George McDaniel, Wesley Erickson and Robert Fredrick; and niece, Debra Jacobson. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Lutheran Church at Folsom with Pastor Peter Beckstrand officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on Friday 4 to 6 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St. (Hwy 56) in Viroqua with a 5:30 p.m. prayer service. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday after 10:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin Lutheran Church or the organization of your choice. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.