Hunter Braden, 23, passed away on September 29, 2022 in Billings, MT. Hunter was born in Great Falls, MT on August 10, 1999 to Scott Braden and Jodi Kirkwood. Shortly following his birth, he returned to his home in Miles City, MT. Hunter attended Garfield Elementary School, Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Middle School, and Custer County High School in Miles City. He also attended a semester at Williston High School his sophomore year; he, however graduated from Custer County High School in 2018.
Hunter was an extremely talented athlete playing baseball, soccer, football, and hockey. He played Hockey for the Miles City Generals and was one of the highest goal scorers that ever played for the Generals during his time in the Squirts and Peewee leagues. He received many awards for his achievements including, but not limited to, best offensive player. He was one of the few players who had ever scored a “hat trick”, let alone 3 in a single season of Peewees. For those of you that aren’t hockey fans, a “hat trick” is 3 + goals in a single game. He was so humble in his talents and always strived to be a positive role model and leader for his peers in all of the sports he played.
Hunter was incredibly intelligent and had a photographic memory from the time he was a small child. He always amazed me with how smart he was, i.e. once identifying a painting on an office wall as being one of Vincent Van Gogh. He was only roughly 6 or 7 years old at the time. He educated us on detailed information about the famous painter. He spoke of the painter’s history, personal details about him as a person, his personal tragedies, and the type of art he painted. I had no idea where he had learned about it. When asked, he boldly said “I learned it in art class.”
Hunter had the best sense of humor, always making others laugh. He was so quick witted and clever, always finding a way to catch you off guard and blow your mind with his humor. He was always a kind and caring soul, exhibiting empathy for others, even though he sometimes had trouble expressing his feelings and emotions. He enjoyed the outdoors, specifically hunting, fishing, camping, etc. One of his greatest passions however, was dirt bikes. He loved riding dirt bikes from a very young age and planned on purchasing many motorcycles in the future. He loved listening to music and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Hunter had a way of drawing people in with just his presence. The impact Hunter had on others is unmeasurable.
Hunter held many different jobs during his life, with experience in auto mechanics and tire work. He worked for his father at Rolling Rubber for a period of time while living in Miles City. After graduating from high school, he moved to Williston with his mother and stepfather, Doug Kirkwood. He worked for Ford Motor Company under his stepfather for roughly a year and a half, gaining their respect and positively impacting everyone he worked with there. He took tremendous pride in his job there and planned to return to Williston (and Ford) possibly in the future. At the time of his death, he was employed by Transition Landscaping. He loved this job and those he worked with. His boss and coworkers described him as their “unofficial adopted son” and incorporated him wholeheartedly into their little family. They, along with all of his family and friends were so very proud of him. He will be forever missed.
Hunter was preceded in death by his Great Grandparents Buzz and Georgia Goldenstein, Great Grandparents John and Borghild Storrusten, Grandmother Linda Storrusten, Great Uncle Jack Storrusten, Cousin Todd Storrusten, Brother Gage Braden, Grandparents Bernard and Caroline Braden, Aunt Barbara Ammon, Aunt Susan Braden, Aunt Cindy Braden, Uncle Mike Houston, Aunt Shelly Braden, cousin Robb Dundas, Great Grandma Nona, Great Grandparents Johnny and Dorothy Johnstone, Grandparents Ray and Sandy Kirkwood, and several friends he considered brothers.
Hunter is survived by his mother Jodi Kirkwood, father Scott Braden, stepfather Doug Kirkwood, stepmother Dawn Barker Krahwinkel, brother’s Quinton (Rachel) and Trace Kirkwood, brother Jon Milloy (Johna), Sister’s Samantha McGowan (Brad Rasmussen and Allan J Buck III). Brittany Askin (Garrett, Khloe, and Kyler) Kiara Efta, Grandfather Don Storrusten, Uncle Chad Storrusten (Teri), Uncle Dane Storrusten (Theda), Aunt Shirley Dundas (Doug), Uncle Bill Braden, Aunt Sharon Braden, Uncle Buck Braden, Uncle Brad Braden, Uncle Steve Braden (Janelle), Aunt Bernie Braden, Aunt Brenda Huston, Uncle Dave (Heidi), and numerous cousins and friends he considered family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. at The Parlor, 1806 Main St., Miles City, MT. Please bring any pictures you have of Hunter to the celebration, a cork board will be provided to place pictures on. The family would like to have this as a keepsake.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the family to help cover funeral expenses.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday October 8, 2022
The Parlor
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday October 8, 2022
The Parlor
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Glo says
Oh Hunter, you will be so missed. I’m so lucky to have known you and will always remember the good times because you and your friends were a bright spot in my life when I desperately needed one. Thanks for the memories and hugs to all your friends and family.
Michelle Simpson says
Scott I am so sorry for your loss words cannot express how I’m feeling every memory I have of Jackson and Nathan growing up has Hunter in it I pray that the Lord will give you strength and courage during these times . He was a great guy always very respectful and he will be missed . I always thought of Hunter as one of mine the guy that would stop by and start mowing my lawn the guy that no matter where I saw him I’d hear someone yell grandma Scott I am so very sorry I hold you close in thought and prayer
LaRae Tangen says
Jodi and Scott… I’m just gutted to see this and to hear this news. My heart breaks for you and your family. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kiara Kirkwood says
Hunter I’m gonna miss you so much and I know we weren’t close but man you where still my brother and I love you unconditionally no matter what and it just makes me so sad I won’t get to see you face again Rest In Peace Brother.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
My heart breaks for you. I can only imagine how hard this is. Our prayers are with you all.
aubrey blakely says
absolutely breaks my heart. love and miss you hunter
Heidi Hirsch Obie says
I was so saddened to hear this news. My heart aches for those left behind. I’m glad I got to know you, Hunter. May you Rest In Peace and your family find peace as well.
Anna Brandt says
Scott, it breaks my heart to hear this. Prayers during this most difficult time and always.
Anna
Dawn Krahwinkel says
I am heartbroken. Hunter, I was honored to be your stepmom and will always cherish the time we had. Give your brother a hug from me. Scott and Jodi, my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
So many prayers for you all . No words can heal your heart ♥.
Shawn Kolczak-Hardy says
Man I will miss you bro so fucking much. I will always be grateful I met you and had you as a friend. Rip lil bro
LeAnne Sarver says
Scott and family,
We were saddened to hear about your loss of Hunter. Sending you hugs and prayers during this difficult time.
LeAnne & Jim Sarver
Karch family says
So many prayers being sent to his family. Was so saddened to hear of Hunter’s passing. He was such a nice young man and he will be missed by so many. 😢rip Hunter
Carrie Etherington says
Jodi-
You remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Carrie Beach Etherington
Deanna Waldie says
Scott and Jodie
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family in such a difficult time. I pray God will give you strength and comfort .
Jim O'Connor says
My prayers are with you. I pray for God’s grace and comfort for you during this time. You never get over it ,but you will over time learn to live with it.
Jeanie Wilkinson says
Hugs, Love and prayers to all family. Hunter you will be missed by all. ❤️🙏🙏🙏
Dee Bickle says
Jodi and Scott, you are in our hearts and prayers!
Ron and Connie Watts says
Scott, we are so very sorry! Our hearts break for you. May God’s peace help you through these difficult days ahead.
Jan Munroe says
I can’t imagine what you are through. I remember Hunter playing baseball with Dylan years ago. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers.
Ellen Hart says
Scott: I am so very sorry for your loss. There are no words!
Brady Rauh says
Hunter we have been hanging out day and night for the last year and u became such a great friend I’m gonna miss you so much and words can’t describe how hurt I am right now everything reminds me of u and idk what to do I just wish I could of done more and prevented all this hurt we are all suffering I love you bro and I’ll never forget you and I’ll always love in ur memory and make the best of life cause I know that’s what u would want I will also always check in with your mom and I plan to meet your dad eventually and I’ll always make sure there okay cause I know you loved them more than anything in the world I love you bro
Garth Sleight says
Scott, I cannot begin to pretend to fathom the sheer horror and devastation you and your family are enduring. Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around. I am so sorry to see this crushing blow that has come to your family. All my best as you deal with this sad situation.
Sylvia Zimmer says
When I heard this it was beyond belief.. so so sorry.. He touched so many hearts in his short life. Prayers for strength for you guys…❤🙏💪
James Arneson says
Scott, there are no words that can be said, for you to understand how sorry I am for your loss. My heart goes out to you, I pray God comforts you with the best of memories now and always, comforts you during this time and going forward. Parents are not supposed to lose their kids in this lifetime on earth. My deepest condolences to you always.
Julie Server says
Jodi – I don’t pretend to understand what the universe deals out. All I know is my heart breaks for you, into a thousand tiny pieces. I will pray that you find some measure of peace in this chaotic space. Sending you so much love and light and healing energy. Peace be with you Mama.
Julie
Diane Nelson says
Scott & family – My heart is breaking for all of you & there just aren’t words to express my sorrow. I pray God gives you peace & comfort in the days ahead.
Dave Smith says
Scott
I can’t imagine the heartache you are going through.
If you need a shoulder or an ear. Call me
Scott S Brush says
I’m so sorry for the whole family we lost a child also.
od bless
Mike and Tammy Pecha says
SCOTT WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Scott and family, so, so sorry for your heartbreaking loss.
Paul and Elaine Schieffer says
Dear Friend Scott
We have no words except to say we are so sorry to hear of Braden’s death. Our hearts are hurting.
We remember him playing hockey with our grandson – always happy and having fun! We keep you in our prayers for peace and acceptance. Hugs to you.
Tracy Fleming O. says
I am so sorry for your loss. My boys enjoyed hanging out with your boys throughout school. He was always so full of energy and smiles and a pleasure to have over.
Rest in peace young man.
Pam & Bob Holland says
Scott & family,
Our hearts are breaking for you. I remember Hunter as a bright-eyed ,friendly first grader . He always had a smile and often a story to share. Even as a little guy it was evident he had athletic talent and he was very excited to be an athlete. May God wrap his arms around you all, keep you close to him, and bring you peace..
Ken and Peggy Kolka says
We are so very sorry
Julie Krutzfeldt says
My deepest sympathy. He was a sweet young boy. Love to all.