Mark Steven Braaten

February 23, 1967 - February 10, 2025

Mark Steven Braaten, age 57 of Anoka, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones after nearly three courageous years battling pancreatic cancer. Mark was born to Nordahl and Verna (Jackson) Braaten of Austin, Minnesota. Most of his cherished childhood memories were spent camping, at the Chateau Speedway, and jamming out with his buddies at Apold's Music. Mark graduated from Austin High School in 1985. Shortly after high school, through mutual friends, Mark met Dorothy (Potter). They were married in 1994, and it was then Mark officially gained the title he loved so much – Dad. From there, they continued to grow their beautiful family.

Mark's first job was delivering papers to the neighborhood, and the job wasn't done until everyone had the paper in their hands. This unmatched work ethic continued during his 30-years as a machinist at Graco, or, as he liked to refer to it, "paradise". And one job just wasn't enough. True to his music roots, Mark served 16-years at Zion Lutheran Church both as a part of the Worship team and also running sound. Zion was a second home where he practiced his passions for music as well as his Christian faith. Regardless of when or where he was working, it was a given he was surrounded by friends.

It is hard to condense a lifetime of love and memories, but for those who knew Mark, they also knew the 3 P's: Pizza, Pop-Tarts, and Pepsi. When he wasn't working, Mark could be found at the local Guitar Center, on Facebook Marketplace finding music equipment, and lots of other time tinkering and searching for new gadgets. Mark's passions included quirky one-liners that could get anyone rolling in laughter, playing guitar, attending concerts, and doing whatever he could to help others. He was 100% that guy that would give you the shirt off his back, and maybe even more.

And of course, family. Family was a main source of love and joy for Mark, and went beyond genetics. Related or not, Mark was a solid rock who was always there for others. Even though things were not always easy, he had a loving community who was always happy to rally to the cause. Afterall, as Mark says, we put the "fun" in dysfunction. In his last week here on Earth, Mark shared this quote: "If you're not given the family you need, you make the family you need." This is exactly what Mark always did, welcoming others with open arms and supporting anyone in need.

Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Nordahl & Verna Braaten, sister, Mary Anderson, niece Mandy Mergen, and grandson. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Dorothy, brother James Braaten, daughter Alyssa (Jeff), son Jayson (Ashley), daughter Jerika (Andrew), many others that also called him "dad", nephew Erick (Ally), grandchildren Eva, Jazlyn, Anthony, Lucy, Andrew Jr., Journee, and many other in-laws, family, coworkers, and friends.

Funeral arrangements include service and visitation at Zion Lutheran Church -1601 South 4th Ave, Anoka, MN 55303 on Saturday, February 15th. Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m., with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow. The family asks attendees to continue Mark's love of sports, music and hats by wearing sport's attire, band shirts, and/or baseball hats - no stuffy formal attire needed! Memorials preferred.

Livestream to the service can be found at    https://youtube.com/live/esRRvuFPTXg?feature=share