Sandy Braathen

Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Jean Horner Braathen age 58 died at home after a three-year fight against cancer on December 24, 2022. She will be missed by her husband Kent. They celebrated 36 years of marriage this past May. Sandy’s greatest love was her son Jace who was born in 1997. She enjoyed following his activities and sporting events all throughout his school years. She was extremely proud of the young man he has become.

Sandy was born September 22, 1964, to parents Ramona and Clifford Horner at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Her childhood was spent in Texas and North Dakota.

A 1982 graduate of Devils Lake Central High School, Sandy went on to study at the University of North Dakota (UND) where she received degrees of Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Education in 1987. In 1989, she was also awarded a Master of Science degree. Sandy then attended the University of Minnesota where she received a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2000.

Dr. Braathen loved education both as a student and as a teacher. Sandy was employed at UND as a Full Professor in the Nistler College of Business and Public Administration. She enjoyed the thousands of students she taught during her 35 years at UND. Additionally, she was recognized and received awards as an outstanding educator. Sandy was involved with and led numerous local, state, and national organizations.

Sandy enjoyed travel. An aspiring mermaid, her favorite destination was Hawaii which she called her “happy place”. Many family trips were made there to spend time with her sister. She was an accomplished baker with many specialties such as Kahlua Brownies, cupcakes, and decorated cookies. Sandy was known by family and friends as the cake pop queen. Sandy was the family planner and as she always said she was “a girl who likes a plan”.

Sandy is survived by husband, Kent Braathen; and son, Jace Braathen; mother, Ramona Horner; and sister and brother-in-law, Joni (Loren)Nowatzki. Additional family members include father-in-law, Gordon Braathen; sister-in-law, Debra Nies; sister-in-law, Marcia; and brother-in-law, Walter Torning; brother-in-law, Gordy; and sister-in-law, Linda Braathen; along with many nieces and nephews…and not to forget her cranky cat, Floyd Braathen.

She was preceded in death by her father, Clifford Horner; and mother-in-law, Marilyn Braathen.

Memorial services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Sharon Lutheran Church of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the church.