Don W. Bratlien

Don W. Bratlien, 76, of Moorhead, MN, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at Lilac Homes in Moorhead under the care of family and Hospice of the Red River Valley. The world lost a wonderful man but heaven gained a funny, kind, compassionate, hardworking man with a big smile who always had a twinkle in his eye. Don was born in Barnesville, MN, on April 12, 1943, to Oscar and Sophie (Larson) Bratlien. He graduated from Hawley High School. Following high school, he worked for Coca-Cola as a service manager. On December 24, 1961, Don married Joanne Norman in Lake Park, MN. Together they made their home in Moorhead and started a family. Don joined the Moorhead Fire Department where he enjoyed 31 years of making lifelong friendships from those that he walked along side with like brothers. He was the “Jack of all trades” and always there to help anyone with their projects. Over the years he also enjoyed his “days off” at Ames Sand and Gravel, Aggregate and PortaCo. He loved hunting, fishing and the natural beauty of the outdoors. His two best friends were Toby (his Springer Spaniel) and Stormy (his German Short Hair). Most important to him always was his wife Joanne whom he’d been married to for 58 years.

Don is survived by his wife, Joanne; children, Todd Bratlien, Jana (Brad) Epema, Robyn (Ed) Masseth; and grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner and Tucker Masseth, Sydney, Hayley and Parker Epema, Tory and Hannah Bratlien; sister, DeEtt Allen; and sisters-in-law, Beverly (Jerry) Johnson and Roberta (Kevin) Whipple.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Arla Bjorndahl, Nevada Softing; and infant brother, DonDell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley and The Humane Society.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 11, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead, MN.