Bradley A. Way, age 71, of Rockford, Illinois passed away on October 17, 2026 following a sudden illness. He was born on November 26, 1954 in Belvidere, Illinois to Burton and Joyce Way. Brad graduated from Boylan High School in 1972. Spending most of his life in Rockford, Brad was a strong supporter of the Rockford community. He graduated from Brown Institute of Minneapolis, which was the place to go if you wanted to pursue a career in broadcasting, in 1974. At his first broadcasting job in Fairmont, Minnesota, he met the love of his life, Julie Christiansen. While on the air, he often played (Just Like) Romeo & Juliet for Julie. They married on August 2, 1975. Brad and Julie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last summer in Niagara Falls with all their kids and grandchildren. His grandchildren Benjamin, Marina, Xander, Noah, and Teagan adored their grandfather, and he never missed an event. After a long career in manufacturing, he spent much of his retirement carving. Brad's two favorite hobbies were carving and cruising on the ocean. His siblings Dave (Rose), Kathy Kline (Stan), and Shawn (Kathy) have been a constant support through his life.
He is survived by his wife, Julie; children, Jason (Monica), and Erin (Richard); all of his grandchildren; his brother, David (Rose); and sister, Kathy Kline (Stan). He is preceded in death by his son, Patrick; brother, Shawn Way; and parents.
A visitation for Brad will be held Friday, October 23 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 am.
