Knut Hakon Braathen

Knut Hakon Braathen, age 72, passed away on March 28, 2023, at Summit Hospital in Show Low, AZ. He was born on October 9, 1950, in Nakkerud, Norway to Hakon and Olga (Reistad) Braathen.

Knut grew up in Riverside, WA and graduated from Omak high school in Omak, WA in 1968. After high school he joined the Army/National Guard in 1968 and served for 6 years. He was the recipient of sharpshooter, paratrooper medals, among others. He was critically injured and pronounced deceased in 1973 during his service. He was honorably discharged in 1976, achieving the rank of Spec5. He was declared 100% service connect disabled in 2003.

He trained as a millwright at Biles/Coleman in Omak, WA, beginning 1968; where he worked for a number of years. He worked also for the Forest Service and utilized his skills as a machine erector at Hanford & Palo Verde nuclear facilities. He worked at many of the Great Northwest hydroelectric dams, including Grand Coulee and Bonneville. A member of the Northwest and Southwest Carpenters Unions, he retired in 1988. He was a member of The Lutheran Church. Knut was a member of the American Legion and VFW, he was a lifetime member of the NRA. Knut enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and lately, Jeep wanderings as his health allowed.

Knut married Gloria (Dite) in 1984 in Chase, Alaska. They were happily married for 39 years.

Knut was preceded in death by his father, mother, brother Johan, daughter Teri and son Harvey.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria, grandson Justin, nephew Norm, niece Karina, sisters Kari, and Hilda.  

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Summit Cancer Center. Condolences may be left on Knut H. Braathen, online guest book at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to North Country Health Care, the team at Summit, hospice assistance, our friends and family who maintained dignity and professionalism during Knut’s final years.

“BE KIND AND CARE FOR EACH OTHER”