Claude Nolan Braden

Claude Nolan "Dutch" Braden, age 89, of Boise and formerly of La Grande, died Monday, December 29, 2003 in Salem, Oregon. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, January 5, 2004 at Daniels Chapel of the Valley at 2:00 p.m. Private interment will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Dutch was born on June 17, 1914, the son of Claude and Nettie (Furgeson) Braden in Perry, Oregon. He served with the United States Army from 1942 until 1945 in the Pacific Theater. In April of 1950 he married Verla Thompson in La Grande and they moved to Boise, Idaho in 1963 where he owned Western Glove Distributing Company. His wife preceded him in death in 1987.

Dutch was a member of the La Grande Elks Lodge #433 and the Boise Eagles Lodge. He was an excellent steelhead fisherman and enjoyed making things with his hands. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Kay Frances Braden and his son, Alan Wolfe, both of Boise, Idaho; niece, Melva Gekeler of Salem; grandchildren, Alyson Morse and Charlie Wolfe, both of Charlotte, North Carolina; great grandchildren, Sidney and Jimmy and other relatives and friends.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To view the obituary, sign the guest book or leave a condolence on-line visit www.danielschapel.com