It is with great sadness that we announce that Denise Renae Sundean (Bratton) passed away on June 7, 2025 at the age of 57. A beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, niece and friend, Denise was loved by all those fortunate to know her.

Born on June 21, 1967 in Bakersfield, CA, Denise was the first child of Carl and Delores and first grandchild, and so was showered with love. Denise accepted her role as the big sister-in-charge with her sister and brothers with grace and never tired of playing with them. She would never say no to playing cards or games, especially on many family trips in the camper to California. She graduated from Stanley High School in 1985. Denise married Shawn Sundean in 1988 and had Steven, in 1996. While they later divorced, they remained friends. Melissa was born to Denise and Jon Rostad in 2002. As a mom she passed on her love of music, games and puzzles. Denise loved her children dearly and would always find ways to tell others about how proud she was of them. She was accepting of everyone and never had an unkind word to say about anyone.

Over the years, Denise touched many lives in her jobs, but most recently she was a favorite lunch lady in the Stanley public schools. Denise had a stroke in the fall of 2020 and suffered right sided paralysis and lost her ability to speak aloud due to a permanent tracheostomy. Everyone who knew Denise knew she loved to talk, so the inability to speak was particularly hard on her. Fortunately, she kept her beautiful handwriting and communicated well enough that we could read her lips. She spent the last few years at Trinity Home in Minot and was known for her big smile and easy demeanor. She loved playing cards and won regularly at Bingo there, she even won a dance contest (in her wheelchair!). Her bright smiles will be missed by all, including the Trinity staff that took such very good care of her.

Denise is survived by her children, Steven Sundean (Minot) and Melissa Rostad (Stanley); mother, Delores Bratton (Minot); siblings, Michelle Bratton (Minot), Michael Bratton (Fargo) and Mark Bratton (Fargo); aunt, Arlene Ingebritson (Minot); uncle, Dean Ingebritson (Williston); 2 sister-in laws, a brother-in-law, 6 nieces and 1 nephew, and many cousins.

Denise was preceded in death by her father, Carl Bratton; grandparents, Carl and Nellie Bratton and Ben and Pearl Ingebritson; uncle, Gene Ingebritson, and Aunt Betty Jundt.

Denise will forever be cherished by her family, friends and loved ones.

Though our hearts are heavy with grief, we find solace in the enduring memories and love that Denise shared with us over the years and the knowledge that the disabilities she suffered after her stroke will no longer burden her, that she is free again. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

Rest in peace, Denise. Your light will forever shine in our hearts and minds.