David Braseth

David Braseth, age 70, of Ulen Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025, at Sanford Health Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.
David Owen Braseth was born to Owen and Darlene Braseth on July 1, 1954, at St. Mary's in Detroit Lakes, MN. On April 30, 2025, he suffered a ruptured aneurism which led to an extended stay in the ICU at Sanford. In the early hours of May 19, after a long battle, his heart, that accepted and loved so many, could no longer continue the fight.
David grew up on the family farm Northwest of Ulen, MN. He often spoke of the times spent working on the farm and early mornings tending to the dairy herd with his parents and two sisters. From an early age, he learned the dedication and hard work required to keep a farm moving in the right direction. There's no doubt that the work ethic and fortitude he developed during that time was a guiding principle that led him to the success he realized later in life. David graduated from Ulen-Hitterdal high school in 1972. Three short years later he married DeEtt Hilde on March 22, 1975. Together, they had three children, Nickoli, Natasha and Nolan.
David began his career as a welder, working on an assembly line in the Fargo/Moorhead area producing Steiger tractors. During this work, he was often chastised by his coworkers for working too fast. He stayed late to make a jig that would speed up his task, be more efficient, and get more done. Shortly after, he began his career at American Crystal Sugar Company. In 1974, David started his 49-year career as Crane Operator Helper at the Moorhead, MN Crystal Sugar Factory. His first job was to get to the factory early in the morning, start and warm the crane to load coal for the factory. David quickly moved up to Crane Operator, which we've often joked about since the crane he operated is now in Rollag, MN at a vintage equipment display. Through dedication, perseverance, curiosity and hard work, David worked his way through most positions at American Crystal Sugar. He spent time as a Welder, Machinist, Maintenance Supervisor, Operator, Production Superintendent, Factory Manager, Tech Services Manager, Director of Operations and, after many years, retired as Vice President of Operations. Throughout his time at American Crystal Sugar, David touched many lives and offered boundless guidance and support, helping to set the direction for many.
During these 49 years, he also worked alongside his wife and children to manage a family farm, the farm that was purchased from his parents in 1984. As he would often say, "Just a dirt farmer from Hagen township." Together they raised children, beef cattle and crops on 540 acres of land. Although there were many challenges along the way, David's devotion to his family was second to none.
David was an avid sportsman. Hunting, fishing, time at the lake and, later in life, golfing were activities he enjoyed immensely, because he was able to do those things alongside his family. There wasn't a weekend that went by when David wasn't rounding up the family to do something together. We often said, "It's not a fishing trip, it's an outdoor adventure." Most children look to their Dad as someone who can accomplish the impossible, and for his family, David truly could. There wasn't a problem he couldn't fix. Anything mechanical or electrical, he had advice and most importantly, he also had life advice. He always had an answer and always was there to help. David was a person that anyone could turn to for help, knowing they'd receive the help they needed.
As grandkids became part of his life, David leaned into it 100%. There was nothing more precious or important to him than the grandkids. He was always there for them and was a part of everything. Every birthday, ball game, band concert, fishing trip, vacation, every life event, David was there and was cheering them on. As he would often say, "They're pretty special." There is no way to stress how much his grandchildren meant to him. David would truly tear down any barrier to make them smile.
For someone who made the impact on others like he did, losing him was always going to be too soon. Now or 20 years from now would have been too soon. He always said, "Life is for the living." He'd want everyone to spend their time grieving, then move on. He'd insist that we celebrate his time with us then celebrate our time with each other. A truly great person that will forever be missed.
David is survived by his wife, DeEtt of Ulen; his children: Nickoli (Erin) Braseth of Ulen, Natasha (Tia) Braseth of Hawley, and Nolan (Jeri) Braseth of Ulen; five grandchildren: Braden, Jocelyn, Ansley, Jace, and Ailey; two sisters, Lisa (John) Austinson and Deb (Kerry) Walton; siblings-in-law: Debbie (Terry) Armstrong, Mike (Lesa) Hilde, and Doreen Rurup; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Owen and Darlene; parents-in-law, Gisle and Alice Hilde; his daughter-in-law, Afton Braseth; sister-in-law, Diane Hilde; and one nephew, Christopher Tangen.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5:00p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ulen. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.