Bradley Graves

Funeral services for Bradley J. Graves will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the Bonnerup Funeral Chapel, Albert Lea.  Pastor Kaleb Hurley will officiate.  Visitation will begin at 11:30 and continue until the time of the service on Wednesday.  Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Brad passed away of natural causes stopped while driving semi on Friday, January 12, 2018 in Urbandale, IA.  He was 59 years old.

Bradley J. Graves was born on December 10, 1958 to Donald and Marion (Selix) Graves in Austin, MN.  He grew up in Brownsdale and would graduate from Hayfield High School in 1977.  On December 31, 1977, Brad would be united in marriage to Bernadine (Horkey) in Brownsdale, MN.  To this union, three children were born.  Brad would enlist in the United States Army, where he would serve his country for 18 years.  He did tours of duty in Germany twice, Korea twice, and was also stationed in Kentucky and Washington during his service.  He would be honorably discharged in 1995, and the family would move to the Albert Lea area.

After his retirement, he would drive semi up until the day of his passing.  In his free time, Brad enjoyed watching NASCAR, Dale Earnhardt Sr. being his favorite.  He also enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings.  Brad used to enjoy taking his family on camping and fishing trips, and going on many family vacations.  Above all, Brad was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and loved spending time with his family.  He had a big smile, and was always willing to help his family before thinking of himself.

He is preceded in death by both parents, Donald and Marion; a sister, Donna Salisbury; and mother and father in-law, Robert (Donna) Horkey.

Brad is survived by his wife of 40 years, Bernadine; children, Jennifer Aarback, Melissa Graves and Donald (Elisa) Graves; grandchildren, Michael Thorson and special friend Racquel O’Rourke, Matt Thorson, Katie Thorson, Paradise Graves, and Easton Gordon-Kamm; siblings, Jay Graves, Jerry (Janet) Graves, David Graves, Bobbi (Dean) Thompson, and Marcia (David) Vold; an uncle, Don (Susan) Selix; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Blessed be his memory!