Obituary of Dale Selmer Braaten

Dale Selmer Braaten, 82, of Post Falls, died September 18, 2021 in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. Dale was born on February 4, 1939 in Upham, ND to Selmer Braaten and Louise Vatsvog. Dale grew up in Upham, where he graduated High School. Upon Graduation, Dale and his family moved to Seattle, WA, where he worked for Boeing. Dale met his wife Stella Burke, while living in Seattle and they were married on June 22, 1963. In 1965, Dale and Stella moved to St. Maries, ID to raise their family. Dale worked for Potlatch, as a forklift driver loading boxcars, until he retired in 1991. Dale was also a member of the St. Maries Fire Department for over 30 years where he earned the nickname, “Leather Lungs.” Dale devoted 50 years to coaching and umpiring Little League Baseball, starting in 1967. In 1977, Dale coached the St. Maries All-Star team all the way to the West Coast Championship game in San Bernardino, CA. In 2017, Dale received “Volunteer of the Year” from the St. Maries Little League Association. Dale’s dedication to Little League influenced the lives of countless young people in the St. Maries area. Dale was also an avid bowler, bowling as many as 3 leagues per week. Dale attended several State and National Bowling tournaments. Dale is survived by his children Dale Braaten Jr. of Seattle, WA, Bridget Braaten Powell of Lewiston, ID, Darell Braaten and his wife Becki Braaten of Osburn, ID, 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his wife Stella and daughters Shamrock and Patricia. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the St. Maries Little League Association in Dale’s memory. P.O. Box 282, St. Maries, ID, 83861.