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Bradley Nilson
Bradley B. Nilson, 58 of L’Anse, MI. passed away Saturday January 15, 2011 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born February 19, 1952 the son of the late Bartley and Elaine (Olson) Nilson who farmed between Oberon and Sheyenne North Dakota. Brad was baptized and confirmed at the Grandfield Lutheran Church and graduated from Oberon High School in 1970. Following graduation, he attended college at the State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. In 1974, he married Emily (Schrum) Cooper from New Rockford and adopted her son Gary. He worked at the Sheyenne Farmers Union and in the mid 70’s he purchased the Longhorn Bar in Sheyenne. Following the sale of this establishment he was a self-employed truck driver for many years, and during this time, Brad & Emily divorced. Brad moved to L’Anse, Michigan and in 1994, he married Betty Laitila of L’Anse. Together they purchased a Bed and Breakfast and prepared income taxes. Most recently, he worked for Baraga County Concrete. Brad enjoyed taking photos and cutting wood. He also loved spending time with his step grandchildren. Mr. Nilson is survived by his son Gary Nilson of Wisconsin, former wife Betty Nilson of L’Anse, step-sons Randall Laitila, Larry Laitila, and David Laitila all of L’Anse, step grandchildren Randall, Jacob, Chelsey, Reese, Rowan, and Edward. Numerous other extended family members also survive in Michigan and North Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Barry. FUNERAL SERVICE: Grandfield Lutheran Church, rural Sheyenne, ND DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at 2:00PM BURIAL: Grandfield Lutheran Cemetery, rural Sheyenne (May of 2011) |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Teresa (Loken) Nielsen
Date: 8/05/14
Message: My deepest sympathy in the loss of Brad I knew him in the early 70s after Barry was killed he was a wonderful guy. had many hardships as a young man in his life . I pray he has peace now . Rest in peace motorcycle man . Teresa
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Name: Bruce Maki
Date: 24 Jan 2011
Message: I pray that Brad has found painless peace. He was a terrific conversationalist. I knew him as "Hose Man Brad", as he assembled all the hydraulic hoses I used back when we were at Pettibone Mi Corp. He was extremely good at it, and was great fun to talk with, used to tell me how the wind never quit out there in ND, and would wear out the fence posts. I promised him one day I'd eventually get out there and check it out. He also sold long distance phone plans, and he even talked me into one of em! He was a hard worker, nice guy, and good friend, who deserved better than what he got.
God bless ya, Brad. You fought one long hard fight to the finish. I thought you had beaten it, was quite shocked to hear the news, We'll see you again, one day, and resume shootin' the breeze.
Rest in peace, ol Buddy...
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Name: Jon Daniels
Date: 01/21/2010
Message: Its always sad to see someone you knew pass on. I remember him as he was a year behind the class I was in. Oberon, 1969 was the year I graduated. Journey well...
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Name: Patty (Sylling) Altringer
Date: 01/20/11
Message: My deepest sympathy to Brad's family. Brad was a year behind me in school, but still we were best of friends. I don't ever remember seeing Brad without a smile on his face so when I could put one there myself I felt great! You were a great friend Brad, I will miss you but you are now with the rest of your family and I know a permanet smile!
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Name: Doug Olson
Date: 1-19-11
Message: My sympathy to Brad's family. I graduated high school with Brad and knew him since we were kids. His quick smile and genuine laugh are just a couple of the things I'll always remember about him. Wild road trips in the "Banana Wagon" will forever bring a smile to my face. I hope you play drums for some 60's rock band up there. Rest in peace.
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Name: Delores Buske Mischel
Date: 1-19-11
Message: My thoughts and prayers to the family of Brad Nilson. I knew him when he was driving for Wiest Truckline and I was one of the dispatchers. He was such an enjoyable person to work with! I didn't know he had moved to L'Anse, but it's not surprising because he spoke so fondly of the area! Rest in peace Brad and may our prayers lighten load carried by your family and friends.
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Name: Lois Larson
Date: 1-19-11
Message: My condolences to the family. Brad was my brother-in-law and always was a great guy. I spoke to him a few weeks ago, and we had a very nice visit. What I will always remember most about Brad, is he liked to talk and always a great conversationalist. I too remember when my sister would tell me they called him Jungle Bummy and he would laugh.
Rest in peace Brad, you had a long illness and faught it well. Lois
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Name: Barb (Simon) Steinmetz
Date: 1/19/2011
Message: My deepest sympathies to Brad's family and friends. I graduated with him from Oberon High School in 1970. We were a close class with only 17 and all had a wonderful time together. I remember the difficult time he went through when his father passed away. He was always a funny, friendly, and caring person. We had not seen each other in years because I lived in Wyoming for 26 years. I will always remember him and his old yellow station wagon - oh, the stories it could tell. I know he is now living his reward with our God. Peace be with your family. Again, my sympathies to all of his loved family and friends. Barb
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Name: Linda Brown
Date: 1/18/2010
Message: I am sending my condolences to the family of Brad Nilson. I knew him back in the late 70's and early 80's when he was driving truck. He was such a personable guy, so much fun to talk to and hang around with. I last saw him when I was living in Fargo and had no idea he moved to Michigan. I was shocked to read about his passing. My prayers go out to all his family and friends. Rest in peace, Brad (Jungle Bunny).