Keith Braaten Jr.

Minot

Keith Braaten Jr., 54, Minot, died Monday, December 29, 2025, in his home.

Keith was born on June 3, 1971, in Oakland, California. Keith lived a life marked by loyalty, hard work, and a knack for quietly improving the world around him–sometimes one pool table at a time.

Over the years, he put his skills to work at the Fortune Cookie, Nesdahl Surveying, the City of Minot, Ackerman Estvold, and CTI. No matter where he worked, he was known for showing up, getting things done, and doing so with his own unique style.

One of his most memorable contributions came not from a job site, but from a pool hall. Seeing an opportunity where others saw rules, he approached the owner of the local pool hall to advocate for allowing players under 21 to play. Thanks to his persistence, The Rack opened its doors on Sundays for younger players. Eventually, a wall went up to separate the 21+ section, allowing all ages to play anytime, cementing his legacy as an unexpected champion of youth pool enthusiasts everywhere. This also resulted in one of his most treasured friendships with Jake and Michele Jacobson.

Known affectionately as “Hippy” by his closest friends, he lived up to the nickname with an easygoing attitude, a big heart, and friendships that stood the test of time. He remained close with his childhood friends throughout his life, and they all speak highly of him–usually with a laugh, sometimes with a headshake, but always with deep respect and affection. He was a deeply proud father to his daughter, Samantha, who was the greatest joy of his life. He was once married to Jackie Miller and although it was a short chapter in his life, they maintained a mutual respect for one another.

When he wasn’t working or advocating for pool-hall reform, he could be found enjoying his favorite pastimes: hunting, fishing, golfing, hackey sack, and unsurprisingly playing pool. If there was a scoreboard involved, he cared. If there was a good time involved, he cared even more.

He was also a proud member of the Moose Lodge, where camaraderie and community mattered just as much as a good story or a shared laugh.

Keith will be remembered for his easygoing nature and his ability to leave things just a little better than he found them. His impact lives on in the people he loved, the doors he opened, and the stories that will continue to be told, likely with a smile.

Keith is survived by his daughter Samantha Braaten, Omaha NE; mother Gail Braaten, Minot, ND; sister Kami (Mark) Espe and brother Kevin (Dayne) Braaten, both of Minot, ND; aunts and uncles include Marchetta and Shelby Holmly, Minot, ND, Diane and Dwayne Graber, Wolford, ND and Phyllis Byre, Spokane, WA.

Keith was preceded in death by his father Keith Braaten Sr., grandparents Alfred and Margaret Braaten and Paul and Nellie Byre, and aunts and uncles Beverly and Lester Brandt, Paul Byre, Marvin and Carol Byre, Sharon and Ted Munyer, Louise and David Osterman, Donna Coffin, and Mavis Byre.

Memorial Gathering of family and friends: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

A Celebration of Keith’s life will be held in March 2026 at The Spot in Minot, time to be determined.

To share memories and condolences access www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, January 2, 2026.