Edward Bratvold Jr.

Edward Bratvold Jr., age 85 of Inver Grove Heights, MN was called home to be with the Lord on February 4 th, 2026.

Born on March 10 th, 1940 in Maddock, North Dakota, Edward was the oldest son of Edward Sr. and Elsie (Smith) Bratvold. He was raised on the family farm until the age of 13, when his family moved to Minot, North Dakota. Though life later led him elsewhere, his love for the farm never left him. Each summer he returned to spend time on his grandmothers or a neighboring farm helping with the farm work. After graduating from Minot High School in 1958, Ed spent the summer working with a combine crew harvesting grain, traveling south and then back north through the harvest season. That following winter, while staying on the family farm, he met the love of his life, Diane Hagen. They moved to Inver Grove Heights in 1960 and were married in 1963, beginning a devoted marriage of 62 years. Together they raised their two beloved children, Brenda and Bradley.

Ed dedicated 42 years of service to Farmers Union Central Exchange, now CHS. Outside of work he and Diane shared a love of travel and explored many places around the world. Their faith was central to their lives, and they spent countless hours volunteering through their church and with AFS, a student exchange program. Through AFS, they welcomed Manuel Ponce from Bolivia into their home during Brenda and Bradley's high school years. Manuel quickly became a cherished member of the family.

Edward is survived by his loving wife, Diane; his children, Brenda (Jeff) Nugent of Piedmont, South Dakota, and Bradley (Lisa) Bratvold of Birchwood, WI; and his 3 grandchildren, Matthew (Kari) Nugent of Rapid City, South Dakota, Katelyn Bratvold of Birchwood, Wisconsin, and Kyle Bratvold of St. Paul, Minnesota. He is also survived by Manuel (Fatima) Ponce, and their son Luis of La Paz, Boliva. Edward is further survived by his brothers, Warren (Geri) Bratvold of New Town, North Dakota, Darrel (Mona) Bratvold of Hackensack, Minnesota, and Marlin Bratvold of Minot, North Dakota; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elsie Bratvold; his nephew, Alec Bratvold; grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 28 th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Visitation preceding the service from 10:00 – 11:00 am at church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN to honor Edwards memory and the faith that guided his life. A special thank you to Health Partners Hospice and Bright Star Care.