Here it is Memorial Day 2019.  This is a special weekend when we remember all those who have passed before us.  It is hard enough to think about losing those who were older when they passed ,  but to lose someone like Brad way too soon,  it really hits hard.  Seems best to focus on the good times we had,  and there were many.  I always knew who Brad was because growing up in New Hampton, everybody knew everybody,  but when we worked together at Radio Shack we got to be good friends.  We shared a lot of the same interest so before long we hung out often.  We were always working on cars and motorcycles or getting in on all the local activity.  That was back when New Hampton had activity.  That era of kids knew how to party old school kegger style.   When the old theater "Players Corner" burned down Brad and I were in my garage putting a stereo in his blue 66 GTO and being only a couple blocks away we could smell it and stepped outside to see flames shooting from the roof.  Brad told me we should go up to Radio Shack and get the new video camera that just came in and record the fire,  so we did,  and we recorded a New Hampton historic event.  I know big deal,  But Brad and I never forgot it and had many laughs over the years about that night.  We had a lot of those times.  The motorcycle trips on our Honda Shadows.  Going to Charles City to party and listen to the Litterer Band.  If there was a party going on we were there or on our way!         Over time we got busy raising families and Brad and Janet moved to AZ but Brad and  I stayed in touch.  He was always a loyal friend and I will always miss him.

The first time I met Brad was at pee-wee T-ball. He was the cool kid that could do everything, I wasn't so much but he was still nice to me. I was going to St Josephs and he was at the public school so we really didn't interact too much outside of 7th & 8th grade sports but when we got to high school we were inseparable. We were both the youngest of a large litter and that base commonality ran pretty deep. I started working at A&K and he was just up the street at Riley's Radio Shack. Every night and weekend we were out and about. Big on cars together we both had to have Road Runners, his a 68 & mine a 72. He had some nice ones after that too, the Camaro, the blue step side Chevy truck and the Monte Carlo. Fixing cars, adding to the stereos and then out carousing in them all weekend. Pete would come into A&K on Saturdays and Mondays and go through his poorly disguised interrogation/casual talk but being the crafty deviants that we were, our stories were always well tuned. We both had our own, but Brad & I were like the brothers that were our own age. We both moved on from NH and were blessed with the joy of having our own families. Time, life and distance kept us apart a little but I was lucky enough to get in touch with him a few years ago and it was great to catch up with him. I was truly blessed to have the time I was given with Brad, I will always cherish it and look forward to when we will meet again.

Brad wasn’t always a man of many words, but I honestly think Brad could literally give a book report on a full-length novel through facial expressions alone.  Funny thing about that is that Brad and I spoke often on the phone and for long periods of time.

I was fortunate enough to have had times with Brad that we laughed so hard we cried, and when his dad passed, we cried so hard, we laughed.

Brad, for me, as he did for so many, made my world a better place.  I just feel bad that I didn’t let him win at cornhole or washers a few times.  

Miss you, brother.
Love, Cousin Brad

Janet and girls, words cannot express how saddened I am for your loss.  Hugs to all of you.  

Brad, where do I start?  I still cannot believe you’re gone, but I’m comforted knowing that you had many family members waiting for you with open arms. 

So many great memories of Willadsen cousins picnics!  When we were young, it would take the Wisconsin cousins a while to get comfortable with the Iowa cousins.  Just as we were starting to have fun, the picnic would be over.  We sure grew out of that, and as we became adults, we ALWAYS had fun at the picnic from beginning till end.  Lots of visiting, playing horseshoes, cornhole, and eating brats.  And the addition of Friday night kickoff parties too!

I’m so glad we were able to visit with you, Janet, and the girls in AZ, and then also to come out for Amelia and Craig’s wedding.   

There’s only a few family members that call me “Shell.”  You were one of the few.  I can still hear you.  I will miss you greatly.  I’m blessed to have had you in my life, cousin.  

Love, Michelle


Thanks for the memories friend and classmate😘

Brad Christian: got his name from a man that was working on a construction crew that we hired to remodel my kitchen. He was a very hard worker and was always yelled at to get things and do many odd jobs. 
I was pregnant with Brad during this time, so as his name continued to come up Peter thought “Brad” would fit right in with the rest of the kids. And so, it was…… 
Brad was a “Go Getter” from the start! When he wanted something, he worked very hard for it and set his mind to getting it. He was different from the other children. He was our last child of eight. 
He was a very hard worker and put his whole heart into every job that he did. He was always one to stay busy. 
Brad played baseball in high school, Peter and I went to these games as often as we could because we enjoyed watching him play. 
After most of the children moved on, Brad being the “baby of the family”. The house was quiet, and he was the only child home with us. I had to learn how to buy less groceries, make less food, and live with less noise.
Brad coached softball in Arizona for many years for his daughter’s and teams. This kept him very busy. He was a very good mentor and teacher and he loved doing it. Most of these ball players were at the celebration of Life for Brad. He will be greatly missed. 
His sister Kim and I went to his celebration of Life. Everyone spoke very highly of Brad and praised his name. Maddie got up and spoke about her father at the celebration, it was very moving. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The Mariposa Gardens Chapel had a full house, standing room only. 
We will have a plaque made in remembrance and placed beside the family site in the New Hampton cemetery. To honor our beloved; son, brother, spouse, father, uncle, grandpa, friend. 
Thank you to everyone that’s still sending cards and messages, he will leave a large hole in everyone’s lives and be greatly missed!
						Love, Mom 


Dear Janet and the Girls, Just want to say it will be a long time before it really sinks in what happened and that he is really gone.  Love lives longer than grief of pain. All other things pass. But love will remain. A bond that nothing can sever because love lasts forever!   Love always and forever! Bruce

Janet, Amelia and Craig, Mariah, Maddie, and Taylor.   I don't know where to start. I have so many memory's of Brad.   So many  memory's have build up with him. The day of his wedding and the birth of his girls were so special to him. Brad was a very caring man! Would do anything for anyone!   Going to miss your short talks on the phone. But, we got the message threw!  Love and Miss you so much already Brad. 

Favorite memory...so, we rode out to the park on Brad's motorcycle, 1st one I think, a Honda Shadow (not that that matters...to me, anyway). I made the mistake of asking him how fast can this go?  He said HOLD ON...next thing knew we were at the other end of the park. I had tears streaming down my face, not because I was scared but because we had gotten up to over 100 mph in that long city block the pool sits on!  Brad, with a big ass smile on his face says...you shouldn't have asked if you didnt want to know!  THAT was my brother!!! I loved you then...I love you still...I always have...I ALWAYS will. Rest easy baby brother.  Love you, Amy


To Janet, Amelia & Craig, Maddie & Taylor and Mariah,

I’m so sorry for the loss of your husband, dad and father-in-law. His life has touched many in a positive way which will bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts as we remember him. He will live on through you and all those that he has touched.

Please know we all are here for you.

Rest In Peace Brad! 

LA
Jeff

Brad and Janet, 
     Thank you so much for flying to Dallas on September 5, 2007 to be with me during my cancer surgery.  You guys really touched my heart in many ways just to be there for support.  Love you both and we will all miss you very much Brad.

Brad you will be greatly missed and loved by all those who got the chance to meet you and have you in their lives. I'm glad I got to see you and visit with you, Janet and Mariah when I came to Arizona last week. I still can't believe that you're gone because I just saw you. I'm glad I did though I got one last hug from you and I will cherish that forever. I know you're with grandpa holding Jett looking down watching out for all of us. You were taken from us way too soon. I'm proud to have called you my uncle Brad and always will. I will never forget you. You will always be loved, missed and remembered. Love always Kari and Zellah 

Brad,
I didn't know you well but was always happy to visit with you.  I'm happy that we got to see you when you were Iowa.  I know you'll keep watch on your family. We'll help were we can. May you soar high.
Love you, 
Heather Willadsen 

Brad,  we always had a good time.  I am still trying to process this. I know that you're with dad. Keep him company till we all meet again.  I will always love you and I'll be there for Janet and the girls.  Love you always your brother Jon.

Brad, it will take me a long time to realize  what happened to you. You were the baby of our family and the most spoiled  but that is fine we accepted that. I will love you with all my heart as long as I live.        Love your sister Kim.

You will be greatly missed!  Your gental strength and quiet caring manner have touched so many people in your short life.  I will miss you so much.  I know you're watching over your family and ours.  Tell dad we miss him very much.  I know you are right there beside him and holding Jett in your arms.  Love and miss you.

I will miss you at the family gatherings.   Your quiet, gentle strength is what I will remember the most.  You are loved and oh, so missed.
Rest in Peace till we meet again.  Cindy Roths

I will forever remember & cherish our trip to Parker, AZ! Brad was the best captain ever! 

Words cannot express the feelings i have.  You were taken way too soon.  I know God has a plan but I dont know what it is.  Thank you for my 3 beautiful niece's that you raised and nutured.  You made me laugh many times with your wit and one liners.  Your smile was contagious and your laugh memorable.  I will always remember the directions to your new home when you first moved to Arizona,  "5 streets turn right, 2 speed bumps turn left and we are the house at the end"
You touched many lifes in your own way,  Brad.  Love you always, miss you forever!!
Rhonda

Brad wish you didn't have to go so soon.  You were a great dad and you have 3 beautiful daughters to show it.  I could always count you to be on time, do what you said you would do and always give me a ride home when I was ready.  I love you and will be here for Janet and the girls.  I will remind Mad Dog for you to put gas in her car.
Love,
Pearle


Janet,
  Condolences to you and your family.  Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.

Eck

Hi Janet
There was this funny story I wanted to share with you about Brad . He would tell me that sometimes he would come home from work and there wasn't any dinner, and you would tell him "better open a can of corn " and we would both laugh about it.  I'm really going to miss the big guy . Love and prayers to you and your family best regards Scott and Laura 

Brad,  I don’t even know where to start.  Thank you.  Thank you for welcoming me into your life and making me feel like we have been friends for a lifetime.  You have made an imprint onto my life that I’m grateful for.   Thank you for standing next to us while we got married.  There is no one in the world that fit the role so perfectly.  You have raised the most wonderful girls and I loved watching them interact with you.  Janet was truly lucky to have you by her side.  I looked forward to seeing you.  You brought out a side to Kevin that not everyone gets to see.  You were like a brother to him which made you family to me.  Thank you for your humor, your friendship, your voice mails every anniversary and when my kids were born.  Always started with “hey girl”.  Thank you for your kindness, for being a part of my life as well as my kids lives.  You were one of the good ones and I will miss you more than you know.  This seems so unreal, Kevin said we would be seeing you and I looked forward to having you back over to the house. 
“It broke our hearts to lose you, but you never went alone, for part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” 

Love you my friend,
 Lisa 

I wish I had more memories!! One of my first memories of Brad was at a cousins picnic, we must’ve been over 16 because Brad was driving.  He took us to a haunted house or cemetery and we cruised around with Michelle and maybe Angie.  My heart goes out to the entire family.  He was a great man and will be truly missed 💔.

Dear Willadsen Family. I want to say I am sorry to hear the passing of you father. 
Brad was a first class person in my book. He was always polite and up front. I want you to know he was important part to my daughter’s sportsmanship and leading capabilities. Courtney was always excited to play for Brad and with Amelia, Brad taught her to play hard and always be respectable to other teams and fellow players. You could always count on Brad helping out when needed is correct. If I could not get our daughter to practice or to a game he or Janet would give her a ride and never accept anything in return. If I remember right he would take a diet pepsi if you had an extra one though. He did like diet I think. 
                                                                         

A few things that I remember Brad would always say To Mel, “come get it girl” and “turn on it” oh and sometimes but not always, “you missed that one” or “how did you miss that one”. He was a great coach and I was happy and proud to know him. 
Paul Sherwin


Janet & family, My sincere condolences and deepest sympathy. Brad was a great guy. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Janet and girls, i am so sorry for your loss. I have known Brad since he was in 5th grade and even then he was a kind, compassionate, and loving person.  He was always a joy to be with, fun and funny.  I will miss him and his smile.  He was and always will be my childrens' favorite uncle. RIP Brad ..you have left this world way too soon and will be greatly missed.

Janet & Girls, we are so very sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers at this difficult time.


One of my favorite memories of Brad was when his daughter Mel pitched in her first state championship game. 2009 vs Basha. The game was super intense and Mel was pitching her heart out. I was coaching Mel, calling pitches from the dugout and as the game went on we were pulling out everything trying to get the Basha hitters out as the game went into later innings. Brad was always very respectful to me as a coach with Mel and he supported me. The only time he ever came up to me in the dugout was during this game and I loved it because he knew his daughter so well and we wanted to work together to get these hitters out. He would tell me what pitches to call and I was open to him. He was such a huge part in Mel’s success in softball. We ended up losing that game but we made it back to the state championship the next year in 2010 and Mel pitched  and we WON! It was such a sweet celebration of redemption and perseverance. He was so proud of Mel and her success on the softball field. 

I have so many fond memories of Brad aka Bradley. He was like an uncle to me growing up. I remember when him and Janet got engaged and the fake ring he gave her first, I remember how excited he was when Janet was pregnant with Amelia and how super excited he was when they found out Janet was pregnant with the twins. Brads laugh is a sound I won’t forget because he even though he was a man of few words, he had the best laugh. My heart is broken for Amelia, Maddie, and Mariah because I know he was the best dad and for Janet as I know he was the love of her life and the true love they shared with each other. Many thoughts and prayers to you. Love you all 

My heart is breaking.  I couldn’t have asked for a better brother-in-law.  He was such a great husband to Janet and Father to Amelia, Maddie, and Mariah.  He loved you all so very much.   RIP Brad.  

Brad always welcomed me into his home with open arms and treated me like family.  He has raised three incredible daughters I call friends, and his spirit is reflected in his wife Janet who can always make you smile and laugh.  My prayers and love are with you all. 

My memory of babysitting my cousins, all of them....and Brad's smile that never changed as he grew. So happy and fun-loving. Prayers and happy memories to all of you. Love Sue



Janet and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking and praying for all of you. May God bring peace to your heart and soul during this very difficult time.

Willadsen Cousins Picnics are my first memories of Brad. We would make the drive to Iowa and vice versa for them to Wisconsin.  Brad’s 3 years older than me so I’ve just always known him! Our family is just amazing and we all keep in touch  and  there are so  many great things I could say.  His love for Janet and the girls though is what truly stands out in my mind. And FUN! Always having fun.  Hugs from Brad were the best. That family can hug! Us cousins will miss the hell out of you. Thank you for loving all of us. I’m blessed to have been in your life. Love you.

Words cannot express how much I feel for you all right now.  I wish I could give you a hug Janet and be there for you.  Hugs and prayers to you and your girls.  Seems like yesterday you and Brad got married!  I guess we should really all enjoy the time with have with each other, you never know what's around the corner.  Love to you all and with deepest heartfelt sympathy, D'Anne and Ali

Dearest Willadsen  Family :  I'm very saddened to hear of your loss!  My heart goes out to you All in this time of sorrow.
Please know that  you are in my thoughts and prayers.  I will continue to pray that you will All find peace and comfort, during this very difficult time.  ⭐️ Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed.  I will always remember Brad as a very gentle soul.  I will never forget his kindness. God Bless you Brad ! Rest in Peace.


Love the pictures. Such a great guy......... Will continue to pray. Until we meet again Rest in Peace Brad!

Brad was a great man and is truly loved and missed. He was like a second father to me, always welcoming into his home. Maybe you can take my mom for a real ride on your motorcycle in heaven. Love and miss you both so much ❤️❤️❤️

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  We're so sorry for ur loss.

Deepest sympathy at this difficult time.  My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 


AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Brad Christian Willadsen

12 novembre 1966 – 1 mars 2019

Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park & Funeral Care

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