| Graduation Year | Class of 1982 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 09, 2017 |
| About | Aaron Michael Braaten, 54, of Bettendorf, IA, died Thursday, November 9, 2017, unexpectedly, while in China on a business trip. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2017, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 3775 Middle Rd., Bettendorf, IA. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2017, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and burial of cremains will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Aaron was born on October 16, 1963, in Moline, IL, the son of Thomas Noel and Terry Ann Schultze Braaten. He married Ronna Mae Tietjens, his high school sweetheart, on August 1, 1987, at St. John Lutheran Church in East Moline, IL. Aaron was a very proud father of his ‘gorgeous’ daughters, Laurel, 17, (whose poise, character, and inner joy he adored) and Annika, 16, (whose spunk, wit, and energy he cherished). Aaron attended Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois, graduating with degrees in Physics and Mechanical Engineering, respectively. He worked for the Beloit Corporation, Beloit, WI, as an engineer, in sales, and ultimately as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Europe. In 2000, Aaron became majority owner/stockholder in PMP Group, a paper machinery producer based in Poland. The company expanded to China, the US, and Italy, employing 750 people worldwide. He was honored to be Chairman of the Board. Wanting to serve the local community, Aaron created Braaten Health in 2001, which includes Midwest Therapy, Quad City and Clinton Occupational Health, and the REM Center. Combined, Braaten Health employs 55 staff members. He was passionate about growing the healthcare business and was proud to have his name on it. When not focused on work, Aaron enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River with his family and as many friends as possible, going to his daughters’ school activities, golfing, snow skiing, NFL football (Go Cowboys!), and recently, pheasant hunting. Survivors include his wife, Ronna Braaten, Bettendorf, IA; daughters, Laurel Anne Braaten and Annika Caroline Tietjens Braaten; parents, Thomas and Terry Braaten; sister, Jennifer Radosevic; brothers, Eric Braaten and Andrew Braaten. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, his cousin, and several aunts and uncles. |
