Obituary of Milton Douglas Braaten

Milton Douglas Braaten 1943 – 2025, age 81, of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, formerly of Abbey, Saskatchewan, ended a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on January 9, 2025 at the Swift Current Hospital ICU surrounded by loving family and friends.   

Milton is survived by his current spouse Barbara Winquist; children from his first marriage with Bernice Braaten (nee Haggard), Kim and Brandt (Carla); daughter from his second marriage with Diane Braaten (nee Damm), Kati (Matt Schmidt) and step-children Kelli Jorgenson (Chris Storozuk) and Kris Jorgenson (Courteney); Barb’s children from his third partner Barb Winquist, Sheri Moburg (Elden) and Wanette Campbell (Brad); and grandchildren, Parker and Sawyer Dedman (Kim) and Connor and Eric (Brandt);  step-grandchildren, Jaden LeBrun (Kelli), Bryden and Kyler Jorgenson (Kris), Kalli and Carter Moberg (Sheri) and Kelsey and Colby Campbell (Wanette); and siblings Joanne Skeates (Garnet Cowper), Glenda Carlin, Bradford, and Mardell Vols (Danny) along with aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews; special mention of cousin Charlie and Sandra Watson who were like second parents to Kati. He is preceded in death by his second wife, Diane (d. 2000), his son from his first marriage, Curtis (d. 2011) and his parents Edwin (d. 1988) and Kathleen (nee Lines) (d. 2000). All of these he loved and touched deeply.

Milton was born on March 15^th, 1943 in Cabri, Saskatchewan, the oldest of five children. From an early age growing up on the farm he showed a talent for his ability ‘to fix anything’ keeping his beloved motorcycle in running condition, and a love of science. He attended Shackleton and Abbey Schools. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Agricultural) degree in 1965 and a Masters of Engineering (Mechanical) degree in 1967 from the University of Saskatchewan. Following graduation, he worked as a Test Engineer for Boeing Aircraft then launched Burton Electrical Systems Ltd. in Calgary, Alberta.  During this time, he developed and patented a feed mill design that he later built and operated for the farm.

Milton purchased Edwin and Kaye’s farm in 1971 and successfully expanded the family farm into a business enterprise consisting of a grain and feed production farm along with a 6,000-head capacity feedlot. He farmed the original quarter sections purchased in 1916 near Abbey, Saskatchewan until he semi-retired from farming in 2022. Milton pioneered innovative techniques for boosting grain production in southern Saskatchewan, became president of the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association in 1994 and was awarded the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeder of the Year award in 2001.

Milton was an active member of the community serving as the Deputy Governor with the Kinsmen association and Trustee for the Abbey School Board in the Leader School Division.

Milton had a passion for music and aviation - I think all of us have watched the movie Top Gun at least 20 times!  He was a skilled trumpet player with the Cabri Brass Band in his younger years. He also played guitar regaling us with Wipe Out from the Beach Boys.  Big band, country and western and the Everly Brothers were his musical favorites. He also loved to dance – he could whip you around the dance floor doing a polka like no one else!

Milton was known for his quiet strength, determination, innovation and power of wit. His family and friends are a testament to a life well lived.  Please join us in celebrating Milton’s life at Parkside Funeral Home, 69 4^th Ave NE, Swift Current, Saskatchewan at 11am Thursday January 16^th. The service will be followed by a lunch then an interment for immediate family.   

To view the livestream of the celebration of life, please use this link -> https://boxcast.tv/view/milton-braaten-celebration-of-life 

The family are grateful for the excellent medical care and support from Dr. Lund and nurses in the Swift Current Hospital ICU. In addition, we would like to thank the excellent care Milton received from Dr. V. Marcoux at the Saskatchewan Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic throughout his lengthy illness. In lieu of flowers the family asks a donation be made to the Swift Current Food Bank.