Vernon S. Braaten, 87, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the LaPlata Nursing Home in LaPlata, Missouri.

The son of Dewey A. and Helma O. (Knutson) Braaten, he was born August 19, 1929 in Fargo, North Dakota. On September 17, 1950 in Pekin, North Dakota, Vernon was united in marriage to Ardith Mae "Ardi" Hoiberg who preceded him in death on February 16, 2001.

Vernon was also preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bruce Braaten and one in infancy.

Vernon is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Kathi Braaten of Kirksville, MO; one daughter, Valerie Braaten of Kirksville, MO; brother-in-law, Harvey Hoiberg and wife Donna of East Grand Forks, MN; sister-in-law, Lavonne Braaten of Medford, OR; two grandchildren, Eric and Tim Braaten; seven great-grandchildren, Hannah, Danielle, Kolby, Kolton, Kenzie, Tristan, and Taylor; one great-grandchildren, Avery, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Vernon received his education and graduated from high school in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII with the military police. For a number of years, Vernon was a grain inspector for U.S.D.A. inspecting grain elevators. He was a volunteer with Hospice of Northeast Missouri, worked with the Kirksville Emergency Relief Fund and Food Bank of Kirksville, and was employed with the Adair County Sheriff's Department for a number of years.

Vernon was a member and Elder of Faith Lutheran Church of Kirksville for many years.

Public visitation will be held Thursday, June 1, 2017 after 4:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Kirksville, with Pastor David Lukefahr, and Pastor Mark Appold officiating. Interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Tim Braaten, Eric Braaten, Russ Bachman, Ivan Kaden, Greg Klokkenga, and Jason Lene. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Newman, Carrol Findling, Buddy Funk, Butch Matheny, Jay Benson, and John Grossnickle.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Vernon Braaten may be made to the Faith Lutheran School. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.