Roseau - Gene Michael Brateng was born on May 8, 1959 to Verland and Mildred (Burian) Brateng in Fort Lewis, Washington.

He grew up and attended grade school in Malung before graduating in 1977 from Roseau High School. He then attended Northland Community College in Thief River Falls, for Carpentry. He moved back to Roseau, and began working at Marvin Windows and Doors in Warroad, for a time before his employment at Polaris Industries in Roseau. In August of 1981 Gene married Sharleen Olson; they had two children Tanya and Andy. Gene enjoyed hunting, fishing, and visiting with friends and fami...