Charlotte Braaten, 96, Blooming Prairie
Charlotte Rae (Hanson) Braaten, age 96, of Blooming Prairie, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie, surrounded by love and family.
Charlotte was born on Oct. 30, 1929, to Corrie and Ruth (Bagley) Hanson in Austin. She lived on a farm with her family near Corning, and attended the one room Ulland Schoolhouse in grades 1-8, and then she attended Austin High School, graduating in 1947.
Her first job, at 16, was full-time organist at her church, Red Oak Grove Lutheran. While Charlotte was still in high school, she started working at the Hormel office as a comptometrist. After starting a family, Charlotte became a full-time wife and mom.
Charlotte married Dale Braaten on Sept. 5, 1948, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, Austin. Their union was blessed with eight children. Charlotte and Dale had a love for camping and with that dream, they created “Brookside Campground” in 1964. As Charlotte always said, “We carved out the woods.” It became a treasured gathering spot for many friends and family. They enjoyed many winters with friends and family in Arizona. A highlight of travel for Charlotte was a trip to Norway in 2004. She enjoyed seeing her family’s home place in the Hallingdal Valley. “Uffda” was her favorite phrase.
Charlotte had many talents and loves in life… she loved music and attended many concerts, recitals and plays that involved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charlotte enjoyed playing her grand piano for many years. She also loved playing piano and organ at her church, Grace Lutheran, especially for the Sunday school children.
Charlotte was involved in many groups, clubs and organizations: Sons of Norway, Music Mothers, Word Alone, WELCA, Neighborhood Project Club, Birthday Club, Northwestern Singers, Bible study and family sporting events. Every Tuesday was the highlight of her week. Charlotte spent the day with her friends at Grace Lutheran “Do Day” making mission quilts to send to people who were in need. She crocheted many Afghans for all the “new babies”. She also created many quilts for all of her family. She loved sewing, mending, baking, cooking, and of course, ice cream. She always had the coffee pot on.
Her faith in God was her foundation in life and guided her in every way. Most of all, she treasured her family. The memory of her love and strength will live on through her family throughout the generations. Charlotte will be missed by many for her love, kindness and generosity. She has left us all a beautiful legacy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dale (1996); son, Robert “Bob” (2009)’ great grandson, Jordan Ressler (2010); brother, Raeburn Hanson; and sister, Shirley (Lloyd) Jan.
Charlotte is survived by her son, Steve (Becky) Braaten, Blooming Prairie; son, Ronnie (Nancy) Braaten, Austin; daughter-in-law, Mary Braaten, Blooming Prairie; daughter, Cindy (Tom) Grafe, Waterloo, Iowa; son, Barry (Jane) Braaten, New Richland; daughter, Lori Luster, Cedar Hill, Texas; son, Brad (Dawn) Braaten, Owatonna; and son, Brian Braaten, Rochester; grandchildren: Tracy (Joleen) Mollenhauer, Dawn (Shaun) Goodsell, Marc (Kim) Braaten, Matt (Val) Braaten, Josh (Paityn) Braaten, Anna (John) Duren, Nathan (Olivia) Braaten, Melissa (Nick) Graupmann, Jay (Kelly) Braaten, Joey (Lauren) Braaten, Jill (Brian) Lynch, Megan (Ryan) Droste, Andy (Lindsey) Braaten, Alysa Braaten, Jillian Luster, Chloe Luster, Hillary (Matt) Oeltjenbruns, Darrick (Abbey Calder) Braaten, Elizabeth Braaten, and Elliot Braaten; 37 great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Patricia Hanson; cousin, Lyle (Norena) Guerard; nieces, nephews and many friends of many different generations.
The family thanks the staff at Heather Haus (where Charlotte lived since Feb. 24, 2021), Prairie Manor and St. Croix Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Our heartfelt thanks for always treating mom like family and bringing peace to our hearts.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 16 at First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie with the Rev. Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to the service on Monday. Interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Radio Ministry in Blooming Prairie or Grace Lutheran Church in Austin.
Arrangements are being handled by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin.