Braidy Christianson, age 47, of Sauk Rapids, MN, passed away unexpectedly from heart complications, on Monday, December 14, 2020 at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis, MN. 
Braidy Mark Christianson was born on July 31, 1973 to Mark and Judy (Hedrich) Christianson in Ada, MN. The family made their home on a farm near Fertile, MN. Braidy was baptized and later confirmed his faith at Norman Lutheran Church. After graduating from Fertile High School, Braidy attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND where he obtained his engineering degree. As a young man, Braidy worked on custom combine runs and would combine wheat from Oklahoma to North Dakota. Following his graduation, he moved to Thief River Falls, MN, and worked at Arctic Industries. A few years later he relocated to Sauk Rapids, MN, where he has spent his career working for EMF Inc, Custom Engineering Machining and Fabricating. Farming was Braidy’s passion. He would drive 190 miles one way every weekend to come home to help his family on the farm. In his younger years, he loved remote control cars that he built on his own. Braidy was always working on a project. He enjoyed woodworking and designing small furniture. He loved four wheeling, his Polaris Ranger, and anything he could take apart and reassemble to his perfection. Braidy was a member of the Bejou Boys and the Twin Valley Riders Club for many years. Recently, he built his own fish house to enjoy his many ice fishing adventures. Braidy was known for his tidiness, perfectionism, and sense of humor. He had a foot-loose, fun-loving, and fancy-free personality who was always laughing or making jokes. Braidy was also known to have fancy, shiny, and squeaky-clean pickups. His time spent with family and friends was always cherished. Braidy’s friends truly became part of his family. His huge heart also had a special place for his Top Dog, Jasper (Sirjord). Braidy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We will miss hearing his sign off, “Alrighty Then”
Braidy is survived by his parents, Judy and Mark Christianson; his brother, Ryan of Crookston; his uncle and aunts; Wayne (Marsha) Christianson of Fertile, MN and EveVanna Hedrich of San Juan, TX; several cousins and many close friends.
Braidy was preceded in death by his grandparents: Norman and Mable Christianson and Armond and Mable Hedrich; and three uncles, Ron Christianson, David Hedrich, and Darrell “Tim” Hedrich.
A Walk-Through Public Visitation will be held from 3:00pm until 5:00pm on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Faaberg Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, MN. Family and close friends are invited to attend the funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 21, at Faaberg. Space will be limited due to current gathering restrictions, but an FM transmitter will be available for those wishing to listen from their vehicles in the church parking lot. All are welcome to attend the graveside at Norman Cemetery, immediately following, at approximately 2:45 pm. The funeral will be recorded and will be viewable here, shortly following the service. Following all Covid-19 safety protocols, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mark to attend.
